In a significant move toward India's clean energy transition, state-owned power giant NTPC Ltd is actively engaged in discussions with 16 state governments across the country to secure land for developing nuclear power plants. This ambitious initiative aligns with the company's strategic plan to establish 30 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, contributing to the national target of 100 GW nuclear energy.
Nationwide Land Search for Nuclear Expansion
The thermal power major has identified multiple states including Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat for potential nuclear power plant development. According to sources familiar with the matter, NTPC is currently in advanced talks with state administrations to identify suitable locations that meet the technical and safety requirements for nuclear facilities.
This land acquisition drive represents a crucial step in NTPC's diversification beyond its traditional thermal power base. The company had previously established a dedicated subsidiary, NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam Ltd, in January 2025 to spearhead its nuclear power initiatives, signaling its serious commitment to this new energy vertical.
Technical Specifications and Collaboration Plans
NTPC is planning to develop nuclear power plants utilizing pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR) with capacities ranging between 700-1,600 MW. The company intends to handle smaller capacity projects independently while seeking international partnerships for larger 1,600 MW facilities.
The nuclear push has already gained momentum with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone for the 4x700 MW Mahi Banswara project in Rajasthan during September. This project is being developed through a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), marking NTPC's formal entry into the nuclear power sector.
Comprehensive Nuclear Infrastructure Development
Beyond power plant construction, NTPC is building a complete nuclear ecosystem. The company is actively pursuing global uranium mine acquisitions to secure fuel supplies for its future nuclear operations. Simultaneously, it has initiated specialized training programs at its Power Management Institute in Noida, where approximately 50-60 employees are receiving nuclear sector training.
This comprehensive approach positions NTPC to become a significant player in India's nuclear energy landscape. The timing is critical as India races to meet its ambitious target of 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. Nuclear power offers a stable, clean energy source that can complement intermittent renewable generation while reducing dependence on coal.
The industry is currently anticipating amendments to nuclear energy laws that would enable greater private sector participation, potentially bringing additional investments and international technology partnerships. Currently, India's installed nuclear power capacity stands at approximately 8 GW, indicating substantial growth potential in the coming decades.
According to an SBICaps report from April, optimizing construction timelines from the current 10 years to the global standard of 6 years and addressing historical cost overruns are essential for capital cost optimization. The report also emphasized the need for systemic reforms including single-window clearance mechanisms and streamlined land acquisition processes.
Alongside its nuclear ambitions, NTPC is also venturing into coal gasification technology, targeting annual syngas production capacity of 5-10 million tonnes. The company plans to use this gas for power generation at its existing gas-based plants while also supplying it to other consumers, creating additional revenue streams during the energy transition.
