NTPC plans to build 700-1,600MW nuclear projects
What's the story
State-owned power giant NTPC has announced its plans to establish nuclear power projects with capacities of 700MW, 1,000MW, and 1,600MW across India. The company is eyeing a 30% share (30GW) of India's proposed 100GW nuclear capacity by 2047. Industry estimates suggest that a single GW of nuclear capacity requires an investment between ₹15,000-20,000 crore and takes at least three years from concept to commissioning.
Site selection
NTPC exploring sites for nuclear power projects
As part of its nuclear expansion plans, NTPC is looking at land options in several states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. The company will go ahead with the projects in states identified and approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). "The AERB will approve the sites, and NTPC will accordingly implement the projects," a senior company official said.
Resource acquisition
Uranium acquisition and technology plans
NTPC is also working on acquiring raw materials for its nuclear power projects. The company is looking at acquiring overseas uranium assets, the primary fuel for nuclear reactors. It has signed a draft agreement with Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) for joint techno-commercial due diligence of these assets abroad. For the 700MW and 1,000MW plants, NTPC plans to use indigenous pressurized heavy-water reactors (PHWRs).
Ongoing projects
NTPC's current nuclear project and future collaborations
Currently, NTPC is working on a nuclear project in Rajasthan in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). The project is being set up at an investment of around ₹42,000 crore. While NTPC holds a 49% stake in ASHVINI (Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd), NPCIL holds the majority shareholding of 51%. For its future 1,600MW nuclear projects, NTPC may explore technology collaborations.