India to Quadruple Uranium Imports for Nuclear Energy Expansion
India has unveiled an ambitious strategy to quadruple its uranium imports by 2033 under the National Nuclear Energy Mission. Officials confirm that natural uranium–not enriched—is being sourced to power India’s Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which utilize roughly 0.7% U‑235.
uranium imports strategy
Between 2025 and 2033, India plans to import approximately 9,000 MTU (metric tonne unit) of uranium, up from just over 2,600 MTU accumulated in the past five years. The increased supply is essential to support the expansion of nuclear capacity, projected to reach 22.5 GW by 2032 and eventually 100 GW by 2047.
expanding nuclear capacity
India’s current nuclear power capacity stands at 8.88 GW, with plans to commission 11 new reactors adding about 8.7 GW by 2032. The National Nuclear Energy Mission has allocated around ₹20,000 crore, with key legislative amendments (including the Atomic Energy Act and CLNDA) aimed at enabling greater private sector participation.
supply sources and reserves
Though India has natural uranium reserves of approximately 425,570 tonnes, domestic production struggles with poor ore quality and elevated extraction costs. The country is negotiating long-term import deals with Russia, while exploring partnerships with Australia, and expanding existing ties with Uzbekistan, Canada, and Kazakhstan.
As domestic reactor programs intensify, uranium imports will serve as a critical bridge until alternative fuel cycles—like thorium in advanced reactors—become viable at scale.
