Author: PPD Team Date: 20/02/2025
NTPC Limited aims to establish 30,000 MW of nuclear power capacity by 2032 and is seeking land in eight states.
The company is also working on partnerships with foreign firms such as Électricité de France (EDF) (France), General Electric (GE) (US), and Holtec International (US) for small modular reactor (SMR) development.
The nuclear projects are expected to require an investment of Rs 5,383.59 billion (USD 62 billion).
Currently, state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) operates nearly 8 GW of nuclear capacity, with plans to expand it to 20 GW by 2032. NTPC is already constructing two 2.6 GW nuclear plants in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in collaboration with NPCIL.
The company is seeking early approvals for land across eight states to conduct detailed studies at 27 locations. Public opposition and land acquisition challenges have slowed India’s nuclear expansion. The identified states include Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. These locations could support at least 50 GW of nuclear capacity, as reported by Reuters.
Private utilities and conglomerates such as Tata Power, Vedanta, Reliance Industries, and Adani Power have also shown interest in nuclear energy. NTPC’s newly formed subsidiary, NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam, is expected to lead investments in the sector, including through partnerships.
An NTPC executive told Reuters that the company is in talks with Russian and US firms for small nuclear reactor construction. Potential partners include EDF, GE, and Holtec International. EDF has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Indian firms for SMR development. Holtec confirmed it is in early discussions with NTPC and is awaiting authorization from the US and Indian governments. The company expects to sell at least 200-300 SMRs in India by 2047.
During recent visits to France and the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India would collaborate with both countries to expand its nuclear industry. However, private investment in nuclear power is currently restricted under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, and liability concerns under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 have deterred foreign suppliers.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed amendments to both laws and announced Rs 200 billion (USD 2.3 billion) for SMR research and development, with at least five reactors expected to be operational by 2033.
(Source: Reuters)