India’s state-run power producer NTPC Ltd. is planning an ambitious 30-gigawatt (GW) expansion in nuclear power over the next 20 years, with an estimated investment of $62 billion, according to sources familiar with the development. This is a threefold increase from its earlier 10 GW target and aligns with India’s larger vision to decarbonize the power sector.
The decision follows recent government policy changes aimed at opening up private and foreign investment in nuclear energy, boosting India’s plans to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of its broader 500 GW non-fossil fuel electricity target by 2030.
NTPC’s Expansion Strategy & Site Selection
NTPC is actively seeking land in eight states for potential nuclear power sites, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Land acquisition has historically been a significant challenge in India’s nuclear expansion, with public resistance often delaying projects. The new sites could support up to 50 GW of capacity, paving the way for further development beyond NTPC’s immediate 30 GW plan.
Currently, NTPC operates in partnership with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to develop two 2.6 GW nuclear plants—one in Madhya Pradesh and another in Rajasthan.
Foreign Collaborations & Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
To accelerate its nuclear ambitions, NTPC’s newly established NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam is exploring partnerships with global firms to introduce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—a next-generation nuclear technology offering faster deployment and enhanced safety.
According to sources, France’s EDF, General Electric (GE), and Holtec International are among the potential partners engaging with NTPC.
- EDF has stated its readiness to collaborate with Indian firms on SMR projects.
- Holtec International is in early-stage discussions with NTPC and is awaiting regulatory approvals from the US and Indian governments. The company expects to sell 200-300 SMRs in India by 2047.
- General Electric (GE) has yet to confirm its stance on potential collaborations.
Regulatory Changes & Government Backing
While India’s Atomic Energy Act (1962) restricts private participation in nuclear energy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed amendments to allow private sector entry. Additionally, the government has allocated ₹20,000 crore ($2.3 billion) for SMR research and development, with a goal to operationalize at least five SMRs by 2033.
NTPC’s push into nuclear energy comes at a time when private Indian power companies, including Tata Power, Reliance Industries, Adani Power, and Vedanta, have also expressed interest in the sector.
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India’s Nuclear Future: The Road Ahead
Currently, India’s nuclear power generation stands at 8 GW, managed entirely by NPCIL. With plans to scale this to 20 GW by 2032, NTPC’s latest initiative is a significant step toward bridging the energy gap and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The nuclear expansion aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s energy vision, which has received international backing from France and the US, both of whom have pledged technological and financial support for India’s nuclear ambitions.
With its aggressive push for clean energy, NTPC is set to play a leading role in India’s nuclear energy future, transforming the country into a global hub for next-generation nuclear power solutions.
