In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives.
The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outlining phased development over the next two decades.
Secretary Agarwal commended the CEA’s pivotal contribution to India’s power sector transformation, stating, “As India progresses towards its Net-Zero by 2070 goal, CEA’s leadership will be vital in integrating large-scale renewables, advancing nuclear capacity, and enhancing grid resilience.”
Major Launches and Initiatives
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Electrical Accident Data Monitoring System (EADMS) portal — a national digital platform designed to record, analyse, and prevent electrical accidents. The system aims to strengthen data-driven policymaking and safety monitoring across India’s vast power network.
CEA also released the “Master Plan for Evacuation of Power from Hydroelectric Plants in the Brahmaputra Basin,” a transmission infrastructure blueprint to support around 65 GW of hydroelectric capacity through phased development. The plan will guide hydropower developers in the North East with improved project planning and phasing strategies.
Nuclear Expansion And Sectoral Vision
The newly announced 100 GW nuclear capacity roadmap represents one of the most ambitious power sector strategies in India’s history. It positions nuclear energy as a cornerstone of the country’s low-carbon transition, offering round-the-clock power generation to complement intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind.
CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad reflected on the organisation’s five-decade journey since its establishment in 1973, highlighting achievements in generation planning, transmission coordination, and grid modernisation. “Data-driven decision-making, digitalisation, and innovation are steering India’s power sector towards sustainability and efficiency,” he said.
Industry Participation And Recognition
A special technical session, “Nuclear Energy for Net-Zero: Opportunities, Challenges, and Pathways,” featured insights from Dr. R.B. Grover of the Atomic Energy Commission and S.A. Bhardwaj, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Industry leaders from NTPC, Tata Power, Adani Power, L&T, and EDF shared perspectives on technology adoption and global collaboration in the nuclear domain.
The event also saw the release of several key publications and initiatives:
Vidyut Vahini Special Edition – a Hindi quarterly magazine highlighting nuclear energy’s role in the power sector.
Nuclear Capacity Roadmap – a detailed strategy for achieving 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
Brahmaputra Basin Master Plan – a comprehensive transmission plan for 65 GW of hydro capacity.
EADMS Portal Launch – a nationwide digital safety monitoring platform.
Outstanding CEA officers were also honoured for their contributions to the sector, underscoring the organisation’s continued emphasis on technical excellence and innovation.
As the apex technical authority under the Ministry of Power, CEA reaffirmed its mission to ensure a reliable 24×7 electricity supply while steering India’s transition to clean, sustainable, and secure energy systems.