Naveen Jindal Group explores sites for 18 GW nuclear power portfolio
The Naveen Jindal Group is evaluating locations across more than nine states for the development of nuclear power projects as it prepares to enter the atomic energy sector, according to a company official familiar with the matter.
Discussions with various state governments are currently underway, with site assessments focusing on factors such as land availability, water resources, seismic considerations, grid connectivity, regulatory requirements and overall project viability.
Site evaluation
The states being considered include Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Coastal states are being assessed due to their suitability for large-scale nuclear installations, particularly with respect to water availability and evacuation infrastructure.
The group is understood to be undertaking preliminary evaluations before finalising potential project locations.
Nuclear plans
To spearhead its nuclear ambitions, the company has incorporated Jindal Nuclear Power Private Limited as a wholly owned subsidiary of Jindal Renewables.
The group is targeting the development of 18 GW of nuclear generation capacity over the long term. The proposed investments are estimated to run into several lakh crore rupees and would contribute towards India’s stated objective of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
According to the official, the projects are expected to utilise large modular reactors with unit capacities of 700 MW or above.
Technology partnerships
The company is also in discussions with multiple entities regarding potential technology partnerships for its planned nuclear projects.
Industry estimates indicate that development of 1 GW of nuclear capacity requires investments of around Rs 15,000-20,000 crore. The official added that nuclear projects typically have a development cycle of about three years from concept to commissioning.
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