India’s nuclear programme is built on a strategy of technological self-reliance designed to overcome historical fuel embargoes while harnessing the country’s vast thorium reserves. At its core is Dr. Homi J. Bhabha’s indigenously designed three-stage nuclear power programme, which enables a gradual transition from uranium-based to thorium-based fuel cycles, moving India toward its target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
This article explains the science and technology behind India’s nuclear energy programme — how nuclear fission generates electricity, the difference between fissile and fertile fuels, why India relies on natural uranium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, and how the three-stage programme uses thorium through Fast Breeder Reactors following the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor’s first criticality at Kalpakkam in April 2026. It also covers the classification of reactors, India’s push into Small Modular Reactors, the closed nuclear fuel cycle, and indigenous vitrification technology for radioactive waste. Useful for anyone following India’s energy policy, nuclear science, clean technology or the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.
Mudita Learning and Knowledge Private Limited
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Date of post: 29.08.2026
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NUCLEAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA