Key facts
- India's central government is urging states to expedite approvals for nuclear power plants and battery energy storage systems.
- The initiative aims to meet the rising power demand from data and AI centers.
- Fifteen states and Union Territories require accelerated action on clearances for proposed nuclear power plants and BESS.
- Land allocation and other clearances are pending for 32 identified nuclear plant sites.
- Delays in battery storage projects have been noted in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
- India has a target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, up from 8.78 GW currently.
India's federal government is urging states to expedite approvals for nuclear power plants and battery energy storage systems to meet the rapidly growing power demand from data and artificial intelligence centers. The central government has informed chief ministers and officials from all states that 15 states or territories require 'accelerated action' on clearances for proposed nuclear power plants and battery energy storage systems.
While India has identified nearly three dozen sites for nuclear power reactors, clearances for land allocation have been slow. Several states have also been urged to complete clearances for battery storage systems. This push comes as India prepares for a significant surge in power demand due to urbanization and the data center boom.
India's nuclear power capacity target is 100 gigawatts by 2047, a substantial increase from the current 8.78 GW. This ambitious goal requires significant capital investment. The country has also been increasing its battery storage capacity to support the expansion of solar power, but more is needed to reduce renewable energy curtailment.
Projections indicate that power demand from data and AI centers will rise from 1.8 GW currently to 18 GW by 2032. The government's strategy involves a mix of nuclear and renewable energy, with targets set by entities like NPCIL and NTPC.