Mumbai: Maharashtra took a significant step towards clean energy expansion on Tuesday, as the state government signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with four leading companies for nuclear power generation projects totaling 25,400 megawatts (MW) with investments amounting to Rs 6.5 lakh crore.
Chief Minister's Statement
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the companies will conduct surveys of proposed project sites, for which the state government departments will provide cooperation and assistance. The government signed MoUs with NTPC Limited, Adani Power, Reliance Industries Limited, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited of the Bajaj Group.
NTPC Limited's Contribution
NTPC Limited will invest Rs 1 lakh crore and is expected to generate 7,200 MW of power. Sources revealed that NTPC Ltd already has a joint venture with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and is in the process of establishing a 4x700 MW nuclear power project in Banswara district of Rajasthan, known as the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project. Additionally, it has a joint venture with NPCIL for a project in Madhya Pradesh and has proposed a 2.8 GW nuclear plant in Banka, Bihar.
Adani Power's Proposal
Adani Power Ltd and Coastal-Maha Atomic Energy Ltd have proposed setting up a 6,000 MW nuclear power project at Barsu in Ratnagiri district, with an estimated investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. This project is expected to create 12,000 direct and indirect jobs. Adani Power recently incorporated Adani Atomic Energy Limited (AAEL) to spearhead its atomic energy ambitions. AAEL has set up step-down subsidiaries, including Coastal-Maha Atomic Energy Limited and Rawatbhata-Raj Atomic Energy Limited.
Reliance Industries' Plans
Reliance Industries Ltd has proposed Bharat Small Reactors, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and nuclear power reactors at Purnagad in Ratnagiri district, with an investment of up to Rs 2 lakh crore. This initiative will generate 7,200 MW of power and create over one lakh jobs.
Lalitpur Power Generation Company's Investment
Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited (Bajaj Industries Group) will invest Rs 2 lakh crore in the state, generating 5,000 MW of power and creating 3,000 jobs.
National Goals and Impact
Fadnavis added that the investment would strengthen India's journey towards becoming an "energy-rich nation" while supporting the national goal of zero carbon emissions. These projects mark a major leap in Maharashtra's clean energy transition.
