# India faces talent and funding hurdles in nuclear expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-nuclear-sector-regulatory-reform
> Updated: 2026-09-03T16:31:08.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 5.

India is pursuing an ambitious goal to reach 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, a tenfold increase from its current capacity of approximately 8.8 GW. This expansion, supported by the Nuclear Energy Mission (2025–26) and the SHANTI Act, is estimated to require roughly $210 billion (₹17.5 lakh crore) in investment to ensure long-term energy security and a clean energy transition.

While the strategy emphasizes technological self-reliance and the utilization of thorium reserves, significant hurdles have emerged. Beyond concerns that strict approval requirements for foreign reactor technology could delay Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment, the sector faces a critical shortage of specialized talent. This workforce gap spans from entry-level technicians to high-level R&D professionals, prompting NITI Aayog to form a committee to address expertise shortages. In response, private entities like France-based EDF have begun investing in domestic training and certification programs.

Financial mobilization also remains a challenge. Current sovereign green bond frameworks and green deposit regulations do not explicitly include nuclear investments, potentially hindering capital flow. As the government seeks to encourage private sector participation, global institutions such as the World Bank are exploring ways to support nuclear projects as part of broader low-carbon energy strategies.

## Claims

- The DAE released draft rules for the SHANTI Act for public consultation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Proposed Rule 78 would establish an expert group to review nuclear operator civil liability limits every five years. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Industry players have raised concerns regarding foreign technology licensing, FDI options, tariff norms, and exclusion zones in the draft rules. (single source)
- India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity from 8.7GW to 100GW by 2047. (single source)
- The requirement that foreign technology must be operational in its country of origin before licensing could delay Small Modular Reactor (SMR) implementation until 2034-35. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: India faces talent and funding hurdles in 100 GW nuclear expansion goal

India faces talent shortages and financing gaps in its ambitious plan to increase nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, requiring reforms in green finance and specialized technical training.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-faces-talent-and-funding-hurdles-in-100-gw-nuclear-expansion-goal

### 2026-08-28: India targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047

India aims to expand its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047 through a $210 billion investment strategy, though new draft rules for foreign technology may impact the pace of deployment.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-nuclear-expansion-faces-delays-from-new-draft-rules

### 2026-08-23: India proposes SHANTI Act to overhaul civil nuclear energy framework

India's DAE has released draft rules for the SHANTI Act to overhaul nuclear energy laws, aiming for 100GW by 2047. Industry leaders have raised concerns over technology licensing and liability limits.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-proposes-shanti-act-to-overhaul-civil-nuclear-energy-framework

### 2026-08-17: India proposes SHANTI Rules 2026 for nuclear sector liability

India's Department of Atomic Energy has proposed the draft SHANTI Rules, 2026, establishing a strict no-fault liability framework and mandatory financial security for nuclear operators to encourage private-led'

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-proposes-shanti-rules-2026-for-nuclear-sector-liability

### 2026-08-14: India proposes new rules to open nuclear sector to private and foreign investment

India has released draft rules under the SHANTI Act, 2025, to open its nuclear sector to private investment and proven foreign reactor technologies through a streamlined licensing and oversight framework.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-proposes-new-rules-to-open-nuclear-sector-to-private-and-foreign-investment

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Cite as: India faces talent and funding hurdles in nuclear expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-nuclear-sector-regulatory-reform