NTPC’s Bold Move: Doubling India’s Nuclear Power with 10GW Expansion Plan

India’s biggest power producer, NTPC Ltd, is aiming to increase its nuclear power capacity by setting up 10GW worth of plants over the next decade. This would more than double India’s current nuclear power capacity.

NTPC’s chairman and managing director, Gurdeep Singh, revealed that the company is in discussions with various states and has requested government approval to establish a new subsidiary dedicated to nuclear power projects.

The company is looking at potential sites for these projects in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. These sites need approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

NTPC already has a partnership with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NCPIL) for two nuclear power plants in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

New Subsidiary

The new subsidiary, NTPC Nuclear Ltd, would focus on nuclear power projects. NTPC is also planning to go public with its renewable energy arm, NTPC Green Energy Ltd.

The estimated cost for setting up 1MW of nuclear capacity is ₹15 crore, amounting to a total investment of ₹1.5 trillion for the planned 10GW capacity expansion.

NTPC aims to have the new nuclear capacity in addition to its target of achieving 60GW of green power capacity by 2032.

The company will collaborate with technology partners for its standalone nuclear projects. It is also developing projects through its joint venture with NPCIL, such as the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.

Technological Advancements

NTPC is exploring the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) with global partners. SMRs are smaller and can be built in factories, offering flexibility in deployment. They play a key role in achieving net-zero emissions targets.

Overall, nuclear energy is expected to play a significant role in India’s energy mix for stable power supply and meeting emissions targets.