The India Decade

Dr Jitendra Singh says nuclear energy will power India's AI and data centres

Expanding clean atomic capacity forms a cornerstone of the national push to supply uninterrupted electricity for digital infrastructure.

By The India Decade

Dr. Jitendra Singh at a press briefing
Dr. Jitendra Singh at a press briefing · “Shri Jitendra Singh Minister of for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (cropped)” by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (GODL-INDIA) via Wikimedia Commons

Nuclear power to supply India's technology hubs

India is positioning its peaceful nuclear energy expansion directly behind its rapidly growing artificial intelligence ambitions, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on 20 October 2026.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026, Singh outlined how expanded atomic power will supply the massive, uninterrupted electricity required by data centres and AI computing networks across the country.

Reaffirming the founding principles laid down by Dr Homi Bhabha, architect of India's nuclear programme, Singh stated that national atomic development remains dedicated exclusively to peaceful uses and economic growth. Clean, continuous baseload power from nuclear plants will supplement other energy sources to meet the needs of a technology-led economy.

Clean energy goals and long-term targets

The initiative connects technological development with India's broader climate commitments and infrastructure goals established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Clean energy goalTarget measureTarget year
Nuclear capacity100 GW2047
Emissions targetNet Zero2070

Providing continuous clean electricity allows high-density computing hubs to scale up without increasing national carbon emissions, Singh said. The strategy ensures that rapid digital expansion remains aligned with long-term energy security.

AI oversight and private sector opening

Addressing the wider adoption of emerging technology, Singh described AI as a practical instrument to be applied across key domains, including space exploration and life sciences, rather than a standalone field. He stressed that deployment must rely on human judgment and individual integrity to ensure responsible use.

Singh also highlighted ongoing policy reforms that have opened previously restricted strategic and sensitive sectors to non-government players. Granting private enterprises greater access to critical industries is designed to drive technological innovation, boost investment, and accelerate national progress.

Key numbers

WhatFigureSource
Target nuclear capacity by 2047100 GWDr Jitendra Singh
Target year for Net Zero emissions2070Dr Jitendra Singh

In this story

NameRole in the story
Dr Jitendra SinghUnion Minister speaking on nuclear energy and AI

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