India identifies 10 old thermal sites for potential nuclear conversion

The Indian government has identified 10 retired or ageing thermal power plant sites across multiple states for potential conversion into nuclear power plants. This marks a preliminary step in a larger plan to scale up nuclear capacity by repurposing existing infrastructure.

According to The Economic Times, the shortlisted sites include the Wanakbori thermal power plant in Gujarat, which houses seven units of 210 MW each. These sites will undergo detailed evaluation by a site selection committee comprising members from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL). A final decision will follow only after assessments on critical parameters such as seismicity, water availability, and population density in surrounding areas.

Officials involved in the process stated that while thermal sites are relatively easy to develop, nuclear plants require stringent safety and environmental clearances. One major challenge is the requirement to establish exclusion zones with at least a 1 km radius where public habitation is restricted. However, existing infrastructure such as land, transmission lines, and water supply at these thermal sites offers significant advantages in cost and time savings.

In parallel, India is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of its long-term nuclear strategy. As outlined in the Union Budget 2025–26, the government aims to reach 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, up from the current 8.8 GW. The budget also introduced a Nuclear Energy Mission with an allocation of Rs 20,000 crore for the research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The goal is to have at least five indigenously designed SMRs operational by 2033.