India Accelerates Approval Process for Nuclear Energy and Battery Storage Projects
The Indian federal government has called upon states to expedite the approval of battery energy storage systems and nuclear power plants within their jurisdictions, aiming to enhance energy security amid surging electricity demand, according to a report from India's Economic Times on Monday.
During a meeting last week, the central government informed chief ministers and officials from all states that up to 15 states or territories need to act "swiftly" in approving proposals for constructing nuclear power plants and battery energy storage systems.
Current Situation and Challenges
India has identified nearly thirty locations for nuclear reactors, but land allocation approvals have been progressing slowly, according to the federal government. Several states have also been urged to complete approval procedures for battery storage systems as India prepares for a significant surge in electricity demand driven by urbanization and the explosion of data centers.
| Factor | Current Status | Target by 2047 |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear power installed capacity | 8.8 GW | 100 GW |
| Growth rate | - | 10-fold increase |
| Number of identified sites | Nearly 30 sites | - |
Nuclear Energy Legislation and Private Investment
In late 2025, the Indian government approved a landmark Nuclear Energy Bill, allowing private companies to invest in the country's nuclear energy industry for the first time as the nation aims to increase its nuclear power capacity tenfold over the next two decades.
The program, named SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), could attract significant investments from private companies into India's nuclear energy sector.
Financial Requirements
According to a report from a council established by India's Ministry of Power, the country's target of increasing installed nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, from the current 8.8 GW, will require a total investment of INR 19.28 lakh crore, equivalent to USD 204 billion at current exchange rates.
| Item | Amount (INR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Total required investment | 19.28 lakh crore | 204 billion USD |
| Average cost per GW | 1.93 lakh crore | 2.04 billion USD |
Battery Storage and Renewable Energy
Recently, India has also been promoting battery storage to support the rapid expansion of PV solar power installation capacity, but the country needs more to ensure that renewable energy curtailment rates are minimized.
According to a report from the clean energy think tank Ember earlier this year, solar power and battery storage could potentially meet 90% of India's electricity demand at a competitive price of INR 5.06/kWh.
The Future of Indian Energy
The push for faster approval of nuclear and battery storage projects reflects India's strong commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With its growing population and rapid urbanization, the country's energy demand is expected to continue rising significantly in the coming decades.
The combination of nuclear energy and renewable sources such as solar power, along with efficient battery storage systems, could be key for India to achieve its sustainable development goals while ensuring long-term energy security.