NTPC maps sites for new nuclear plants, explores uranium assets abroad

State-run NTPC is drawing up plans to build nuclear power projects ranging from 700 MW to 1,600 MW as part of its long-term expansion, with multiple locations across India under evaluation, a senior company official said.

NTPC is aiming for a 30 per cent share—about 30 GW—of India’s proposed 100 GW nuclear capacity target for 2047. Industry estimates show that a 1-GW nuclear plant typically requires an investment of Rs 5,000–20,000 crore and takes a minimum of three years from concept to commissioning.

The official said the company is currently assessing land in several states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. “The capacities of the nuclear projects would be 700 MW, 1,000 MW and 1,600 MW,” the official said.

NTPC will take forward its nuclear plans at sites approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). “The AERB will approve the sites, and NTPC will accordingly implement the projects,” the official added.

The company is also preparing for fuel security by exploring opportunities to acquire overseas uranium assets. NTPC has signed a draft agreement with Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) for joint techno-commercial due diligence of uranium resources abroad. Uranium is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors.

For technology, NTPC plans to use indigenously developed pressurised heavy-water reactors (PHWRs) for the 700 MW and 1,000 MW units, while exploring collaborations for the proposed 1,600 MW projects.

NTPC, which began operations in 1975 as a thermal power generator, has since diversified across power sources. According to its website, the company’s group-level installed capacity stands at 84,848 MW, covering coal, gas/liquid fuel, hydro and solar.

The company is also partnering with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to set up a nuclear plant in Rajasthan with an investment of about Rs 42,000 crore. NTPC holds 49 per cent in the joint venture ASHVINI (Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd), while NPCIL owns 51 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the 4×700 MW Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project being developed by ASHVINI in Banswara in September.

(With inputs from agencies)