Department of Atomic Energy

What Department of Atomic Energy does

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is a statutory body of the Government of India, established on August 3, 1954, under the direct charge of the Prime Minister, that oversees India's entire civil nuclear programme. DAE operates through a vertically integrated ecosystem comprising research centres (BARC, IGCAR, RRCAT, VECC, AMD, TIFR), public sector undertakings (NPCIL for power generation, BHAVINI for fast breeder reactors, UCIL for uranium mining, IREL for rare earths, ECIL for electronics), and industrial organisations (Nuclear Fuel Complex, Heavy Water Board, Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology). The department implements Dr. Homi Bhabha's three-stage nuclear power programme: Stage 1 uses indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors with natural uranium fuel, Stage 2 employs Fast Breeder Reactors using MOX fuel to breed plutonium and convert thorium-232 to uranium-233 (with the 500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam achieving criticality in April 2026), and Stage 3 will deploy thorium-based reactors. Currently, NPCIL operates 24 nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 8.78 GW, generating 56,681 MU in FY 2024-25 at a Plant Load Factor of 86.61%, with a target to reach 100 GW by 2047.

Beyond baseload power generation, DAE produces a diversified portfolio of nuclear-derived technologies: cancer therapy machines (Bhabhatron-II with 50+ units installed globally including six outside India), radiopharmaceuticals and medical isotopes distributed through BRIT, food irradiation services enabling $57 million in annual irradiated mango exports to the US, mutation-bred crop varieties (including the Kaveri Vaaman banana), ballistic resistant jackets (Bhabha Kavach), and the LIGO India gravitational wave observatory under construction at Aundha, Maharashtra. In June 2026, DAE inaugurated the world's first hydrogen production facility using the Copper-Chlorine thermochemical cycle powered by nuclear process heat, positioning India as a first mover in carbon-free nuclear hydrogen. The department operates as a government entity rather than a commercial company: funding flows from annual budget allocations (Rs 24,124 crore or ~$2.7 billion in Budget 2026-27) and NPCIL's revenue from power sales to state electricity boards (Rs 19,880 crore in FY 2024-25). Following the passage of the SHANTI Act 2025, the sector has been opened to private and foreign investment for the first time, with major Indian corporates and international uranium suppliers (Cameco, Kazatomprom) entering into long-term strategic partnerships.

Name

Department of Atomic Energy

Legal name

Department of Atomic Energy

Website

https://dae.gov.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Department of Atomic Energy is a Government of India statutory body, under the Prime Minister's direct charge, that oversees India's entire civil nuclear programme — operating 24 nuclear power plants (8.78 GW), conducting R&D across BARC and IGCAR, and producing radiopharmaceuticals, food irradiation services, and spin-off technologies including the indigenous 500 MW Fast Breeder Reactor.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nuclear Power Generation

NAICS

Nuclear Electric Power Generation (221113), Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Electric Power Generation (22111)

SIC

Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro primary industry

Gen IV / Advanced Reactor Systems (SFR, LFR, GFR, MSR, HTGR, Microreactors) (EUAKADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nuclear Fuel Cycle for Power Generation (Uranium, Conversion, Enrichment, Fuel Fabrication) (EUACADAK), Fuel Cycle Support Services (Engineering, licensing support, conversion/enrichment contracting) (EUAKACAL), In-Core & Ex-Core Instrumentation (Neutron Flux, Temperature, Pressure, Vibration) (EUAKADAL), Reactor Refueling & Fuel Handling Systems (Cranes, Machines, Transfer Systems) (EUAKADAN), Chemistry, Water Treatment & Radiochemistry (Primary/Secondary Chemistry, Sampling) (EUAKABAG)

Keywords

• Nuclear power generation
• Fast breeder reactors
• Radiopharmaceuticals production
• Food irradiation technology
• Nuclear fuel cycle

Headquarters

HQ city

Mumbai

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Department of Atomic Energy operates India's nuclear power programme through three stages — Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors, Fast Breeder Reactors, and thorium-based Advanced Heavy Water Reactors — while also developing spin-off technologies in healthcare (Bhabhatron-II teletherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, DeepCXR AI diagnostics), agriculture (food irradiation, mutant crop varieties), defense (Bhabha Kavach ballistic jackets), and clean energy (Copper-Chlorine nuclear hydrogen production). The department oversees 24 operating nuclear power plants with 8.78 GW installed capacity through NPCIL, conducts R&D across BARC, IGCAR, RRCAT, VECC, and AMD, and manages the full fuel cycle including uranium mining (UCIL), fuel fabrication (NFC), heavy water production (HWB), and reprocessing.

Product overview

The Department of Atomic Energy operates a diversified portfolio of nuclear and nuclear-derived technologies spanning power generation, healthcare, agriculture, and scientific research. Core offerings include indigenous nuclear reactors (500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors at 700 MW scale, and Small Modular Reactors), nuclear hydrogen production using the Copper-Chlorine thermochemical cycle, and medical technologies (Bhabhatron-II radiation therapy, radiopharmaceuticals, DeepCXR AI diagnostics). Spin-off technologies include food irradiation systems, mutant crop varieties like Kaveri Vaaman banana, ballistic resistant jackets (Bhabha Kavach), and the LIGO India gravitational wave observatory. The department supports these through research institutes (BARC, IGCAR, TIFR), public sector units (NPCIL, BHAVINI, IREL, UCIL, ECIL), and industrial organizations (Nuclear Fuel Complex, Heavy Water Board, BRIT).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bhabhatron: Indigenous low-cost cancer treatment radiation therapy machine using Cobalt-60 isotope
• Bhabha Kavach
• Kaveri Vaaman

Products and services

• Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Nuclear Power Generation Operation of indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors using natural uranium fuel and heavy water moderator, providing baseload nuclear electricity to state electricity boards. Part of Stage 1 of India's three-stage nuclear power programme. 24 operational reactors currently with 8.78 GW combined capacity.
• Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) 500 MWe sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor using Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel that breeds plutonium-239 from uranium-238 blanket, producing more fissile material than it consumes. Designed by IGCAR and built by BHAVINI. Represents Stage 2 of India's three-stage nuclear programme enabling thorium utilization via Uranium-233 conversion.
• Nuclear Hydrogen Production Facility (Copper-Chlorine Cycle) World's first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper-Chlorine thermochemical cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor at IGCAR Kalpakkam. Developed by BARC. Produces carbon-free hydrogen by splitting water using high-temperature nuclear heat, serving as a technology demonstrator for large-scale sustainable hydrogen production.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) / Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) Three types of indigenous Small Modular Reactors under development by NPCIL, including BSR based on proven 220 MWe PHWR technology and a dedicated SMR for hydrogen generation. Construction planned at Tarapur Atomic Power Station. Aimed at enabling private sector participation and rapid nuclear capacity addition under SHANTI Act 2025.
• Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) - Thorium-Based Power Technology Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) technology and associated thorium utilization research representing Stage 3 of India's three-stage nuclear programme. Uses Uranium-233 bred from thorium-232 in a closed fuel cycle. Designed to leverage India's 25% share of global thorium reserves for long-term sustainable nuclear power.
• Bhabhatron-II Cancer Therapy Machine Indigenous isocentric external beam radiation therapy machine using radioactive cobalt-60 isotope for cancer treatment. Computer-controlled radiation delivery with Multi Leaf Collimator (MLC) for precise tumor targeting. Low-cost alternative to imported linear accelerators, serving over 50 hospitals globally.
• Bhabha Kavach Ballistic Resistant Jacket Light-weight ballistic resistant jackets developed by BARC using Carbon Nanotube (CNT) polymer composite technology. Level-III BR Jackets weigh ~4.8kg providing protection against SLR and AK-47 mild-steel core bullets. Level-III+ jackets with boron-carbide backing weigh ~6.5kg against hard-steel core bullets. Licensed for domestic production.
• Food Irradiation Technology using Cobalt-60 Gamma radiation technology from Cobalt-60 sources for food irradiation, enabling pest elimination and shelf-life extension without altering taste. Used for phytosanitary treatment of agricultural exports (Indian mangoes to US) and sterilization of medical devices and food products. 42 facilities operating in India with services exported to over 35 countries.
• Kaveri Vaaman (TBM-9) Mutant Banana Variety First mutant banana variety developed in India using gamma ray-induced mutagenesis on Grande Naine cultivar. Short-stature, lodging-resistant variety with 1.5 month earlier maturity than parent, reducing input costs for farmers. Developed by BARC in collaboration with ICAR-NRCB.
• Long Shelf-Life Litchi Technology Novel process for 60-day shelf-life extension of litchi fruits at 4-6°C using GRAS food preservatives. Maintains natural color, taste, and nutritional properties. Includes optional radiation phytosanitary treatment for export to regulated markets.
• Banana Tissue Culture Technology Commercial tissue culture technology for mass-production of disease-free banana planting materials. Addresses challenges of conventional cultivation and supports rural development through uniform, high-quality planting stock. Licensed to private companies and entrepreneurs.
• LIGO India Observatory Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory under construction at Aundha, Maharashtra to detect gravitational waves from cosmic events. Will integrate India into the international gravitational wave detector network. Involves 8 km ultra-high vacuum beam tube with vibration-sensitive civil infrastructure.
• DeepCXR AI Diagnostic Software AI-based deep learning software developed by Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in collaboration with ICMR for automatic screening and detection of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and other lung diseases using Chest X-rays. Recommended as AI screening tool for India's National TB Elimination Program.
• ColoNoX Wound Dressing Patented nitric oxide releasing wound dressing developed by BARC for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Innovative biomedical product addressing chronic wound care.
• Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant Versatile deuterated compounds production plant at Heavy Water Board Facilities in Vadodara enhancing domestic capacity for specialized deuterated compounds used in pharmaceutical, chemical, and nuclear research applications.
• Radiopharmaceuticals and Radioisotope Distribution (via BRIT) Production and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, therapeutic and diagnostic radioisotopes, and radiation equipment to hospitals, nuclear medicine centres, and research institutions across India. Includes NABL-accredited Radio Analytical Laboratory testing services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 49 million tons of CO2 emissions avoided through nuclear power generation in FY 2024-25
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and US-India Strategic Partnership ForummajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026A 20-member US nuclear executive delegation organized by NEI and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum visited India from May 18-21 to engage with Indian counterparts on civil nuclear cooperation following SHANTI Act reforms. Delegation met with NTPC, DAE officials, and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh to explore bilateral partnerships across the nuclear value chain, including the proposed Westinghouse AP1000 project at Kovvada.
• Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2026KBL engineered and supplied critical nuclear-grade pumps and safety systems for India's Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) achieving criticality. KBL secured nuclear pump orders for Kaiga units 5/6 reactors and is positioned to benefit from India's nuclear expansion with estimated Rs 350-400 crore revenue opportunity per 700 MW reactor.
• Canada (Cameco, Saskatchewan Premier)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Canada-India strategic energy partnership during Canadian PM Mark Carney's bilateral visit to India included $2.6 billion uranium supply deal with Cameco, launch of CEPA negotiations targeting $50 billion bilateral trade by 2030, and cooperation on critical minerals, LNG, and renewable energy.
• Larsen & Toubro (L&T)coreTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2026L&T's Heavy Civil Infrastructure and Heavy Engineering business verticals secured an order worth Rs 1,000–2,500 crore from DAE for construction of the LIGO India Observatory at Aundha in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. The 48-month project involves vibration-sensitive civil infrastructure, an 8 km ultra-high vacuum beam tube, and integration of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, fire protection, and monitoring systems. L&T is also India's largest nuclear plant equipment manufacturer.
• RRCAT, IPR (Indian Research Institutions)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026LIGO India project developed in collaboration with Indian research institutions Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) and Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), alongside the LIGO Laboratory of the United States, Caltech, and MIT. DAE Conclave 2026 brought together scientists from all DAE units.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026NPCIL operates all 24 nuclear power plants in India (8,780 MW capacity) under DAE. Joint venture ASHVINI with NTPC established to execute the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (4 x 700 MW PHWR). NPCIL is also developing Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) based on proven 220 MWe PHWR technology with Rs 20,000 crore SMR allocation.
• Hindustan Construction Company (HCC)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026HCC, India's largest EPC player in nuclear infrastructure, built 14 of the country's 24 nuclear reactors (60% of installed nuclear capacity) and has a Rs 40,000 crore bid pipeline. Planning to venture into light water reactors following SHANTI Act 2025. Also positioned to benefit from the proposed Rs 20,000-crore PLI scheme for nuclear components.
• GE VernovacoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026GE Vernova signed a $53.5 million agreement with Azad Engineering for turbine airfoil assemblies for nuclear applications. DAE is expediting work on indigenous 900 MWe light water reactor design with government targeting to add nearly 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, creating significant supply chain opportunities.
• Reliance Industries, Adani Power, Tata Power, Jindal Steel & Power, JSW Energy, Hindalco IndustriesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026At least six major Indian companies have expressed interest in nuclear power projects following SHANTI Act 2025 opening the sector to private participation. Adani Power is preparing to develop new atomic power units as part of strategic shift from thermal power. Tata Power is exploring nuclear projects. NPCIL issued Request for Proposals for deployment of Bharat Small Reactors.
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026BHEL executing the overhauling of the Turbine Generator system for the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer. BHEL also involved in manufacturing steam generators and other critical nuclear components as part of India's indigenous nuclear manufacturing ecosystem.
• Westinghouse Electric CompanymajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Proposed Westinghouse AP1000 project at Kovvada discussed as part of India-US civil nuclear cooperation under SHANTI Act framework. Cameco owns a 49% stake in Westinghouse Electric. The SHANTI Act has resolved long-standing liability issues blocking US-India civil nuclear cooperation, opening doors for American private-sector participation.
• Tata Power, Adani Power, Reliance IndustriesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Private companies being attracted to India's nuclear sector through regulatory reforms including reduction of exclusion zones around nuclear power plants. DAE and AERB approved in-principle plan to reduce exclusion zones, cutting land needs by half for large reactors and by nearly two-thirds for small units, to facilitate private investment.
• Russia (Rosatom)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026India-Russia nuclear cooperation at Kudankulam with Units 1-6 operational or under construction. Discussions ongoing for small and modular reactors and localizing nuclear plant equipment as part of broader strategic partnership. DG Rosatom visited and reviewed Kudankulam Nuclear Power Projects.
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026TIFR is a DAE-aided institution hosting the 2nd DAE Conclave (DAEC2026) with ~1,000 delegates. TIFR also coordinates the Mathematics Olympiad programme under NBHM, hosts Quantum Computing T-Hub at IISc with 30 researchers and 21 institutions, and is developing intermediate-scale quantum computers under the National Quantum Mission.
• India-Russia Joint Ventures for Nuclear ManufacturingmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025India and Russia preparing to expand civil nuclear cooperation with upcoming talks focusing on small and modular reactors and localizing nuclear plant equipment manufacturing. Discussions include developments at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and plans for new projects.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Regional players

• Bruce Power: Canadian nuclear operator operating the world's largest operating nuclear facility (Bruce Nuclear Generating Station). Comparable as a public-private nuclear power operator with CANDU reactor fleet — relevant peer given Canada-India nuclear cooperation and PHWR/CANDU technology parallels.

Broad incumbents

• Électricité de France (EDF): French state-majority utility operating the world's second-largest nuclear fleet (56+ reactors). Comparable vertically integrated state nuclear operator with strong fuel cycle capabilities (Orano) and indigenous reactor technology.
• Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO): Korean state utility with significant nuclear generation (25+ reactors) and indigenous APR1400 reactor exports. Comparable state-driven nuclear programme with strong indigenous manufacturing supply chain (similar to NPCIL/DAE ecosystem).
• Rosatom: Russian state nuclear corporation — the only other country with commercial-scale fast breeder reactor capability. Partner on Kudankulam Units 1-6, with discussions on SMRs and equipment localization. Directly comparable given comparable state-driven nuclear programmes and fast breeder expertise.
• China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC): China's state nuclear corporation operating the world's largest new-build programme (Hualong One, ACP series). Comparable scale of state-driven nuclear expansion, fuel cycle integration, and emerging SMR/Generation IV programmes.

Emerging players

• Westinghouse Electric Company: US-based nuclear reactor designer (AP1000) proposed for Kovvada project in India. Comparable as an emerging nuclear technology partner under SHANTI Act, with potential involvement in India's 100 GW build-out and Cameco ownership linking fuel and reactor supply.
• GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy: US-Japanese nuclear reactor alliance involved in DAE's indigenous 900 MWe light water reactor design programme. Comparable as an advanced reactor technology partner with BWR technology relevant to India's mixed reactor fleet strategy.

Direct peers

• Cameco Corporation: Canadian uranium producer with a C$2.6 billion uranium supply contract with DAE (22 million pounds through 2035). Comparable as a major fuel cycle supplier to India's nuclear programme, and holds 49% of Westinghouse.
• Kazatomprom: Kazakhstan's state uranium producer and DAE's $4 billion uranium supply partner. Directly comparable as a nuclear fuel cycle entity, the world's largest uranium producer, supplying fuel for India's nuclear programme.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL): DAE's wholly-owned operating subsidiary that runs all 24 Indian nuclear power plants (8.78 GW). Directly comparable as the commercial arm executing DAE's nuclear power mandate, including PHWR fleet construction and Bharat Small Reactors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DAEIndia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/DAEIndia
• Facebookfacebook.com/dae.connect
• Instagraminstagram.com/dae.connect
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/department-of-atomic-energy-dae-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries22 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Department of Atomic Energy