New Delhi: NTPC is accelerating its push into nuclear power, engaging with multiple global players to explore collaborations for technology deployment and fuel supply for non-fossil fuel energy projects. Sources said the power major is initially aiming to set up a 2 gigawatt (GW) nuclear project, with commissioning targeted as early as 2032.
The company’s renewed momentum in nuclear energy follows recent legislative changes aimed at attracting greater investment into the sector.
In the longer term, NTPC plans to develop nearly 30 GW of company-owned nuclear capacity across multiple locations in the country, aligned with the government’s ambition of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
Currently, NTPC is developing a nuclear power project through a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) in Rajasthan, involving an investment of around Rs 42,000 crore.
On the technology front, NTPC has signed non-disclosure agreements with global energy companies Rosatom and EDF to explore collaboration on large pressurised water reactor (PWR) projects in India. In addition, NTPC is working with Holtec International to assess the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) for future nuclear projects.
SMRs are seen as offering advantages such as modular construction, enhanced safety features, and flexibility for phased deployment. The company is also evaluating a minority equity investment in US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) as a strategic early-stage investment, subject to due diligence and requisite statutory and regulatory approvals.
CCTE has developed a patented nuclear fuel—ANEEL—based on thorium and enriched uranium, which the company claims is compatible with existing pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors.
Meanwhile, NTPC is actively assessing land options for nuclear power plants in states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Final site selection will be undertaken after securing approvals from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Founded in 1975 as a thermal power generator, NTPC has progressively diversified into multiple energy segments. According to its website, the company has a group-level installed capacity of over 85,000 MW across coal, gas/liquid fuel, hydro and solar power.
