India's state-run power giant NTPC has initiated an ambitious land acquisition drive across 16 states to establish nuclear power plants, marking a significant strategic shift from coal-based generation toward clean energy solutions.
Strategic Move Toward Clean Energy
The country's largest thermal power producer is actively preparing for a future without coal while contributing substantially to India's national net-zero objectives. This initiative comes as the government prepares to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, creating pathways for foreign players and technology partners to enter India's nuclear sector.
Coal-based power generation will eventually phase out, prompting NTPC to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while expanding its total generation capacity to 150 gigawatts by 2032 to meet the nation's growing electricity demands.
Ambitious Nuclear Power Targets
According to sources familiar with the development, NTPC aims to contribute approximately 30 GW, representing roughly one-third of the government's target of achieving 100 GW atomic energy capacity by 2047. This massive expansion will require an estimated investment of about $62 billion.
The company is optimistic about securing land for at least 5-6 nuclear plants, though all facilities must receive approval from the atomic energy regulator. NTPC plans to construct these plants independently, focusing on large-scale facilities with conventional capacities ranging between 1,500 MW and higher.
Technology and Cost Optimization Strategy
To maximize cost efficiency, NTPC intends to purchase nuclear reactors in bulk, leveraging economies of scale. The company shows preference for Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology due to its significant cost advantages over alternative options. However, NTPC is simultaneously engaging in discussions with various technology providers for potential collaborations.
This nuclear foray gained formal recognition in September when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a 2,800 MW nuclear project at Banswara in Rajasthan, marking NTPC's official entry into the nuclear power arena. The project is being developed through a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, with NTPC holding a 49% stake.
Currently, India's nuclear generation capacity stands at 8,180 MW, accounting for approximately 2% of the country's total installed capacity and 3% of actual power generation. NTPC's ambitious nuclear expansion plan represents a transformative step in rebalancing India's energy mix toward cleaner alternatives.
