Kolkata: Nuclear power is one of the key sectors that the Narendra Modi government had adopted to address the problem of carbon emissions. If proper safeguards
are adopted, nuclear power can be a way out for a fast growing and energy-hungry economy like India. Following the opening of the doors for private companies to enter the nuclear power sector in the country, major power utilities have begun elaborate preparations. NTPC, Adani Power, and Tata Power are identifying potential land across the country for setting up nuclear power projects. The government aims to increase the country’s nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047. Consequently, this sector is expected to witness significant investment and rapid expansion in the coming years.
NTPC identified 30 potential sites
According to media reports, NTPC, a stellar PSU and the country’s largest thermal power producer, has identified more than 30 potential sites in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Preliminary studies have already begun at 10 of these locations.
The company’s first major nuclear power project will be the 2.8 GW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Plant in Rajasthan, which is being developed through NPCIL and NTPC. Furthermore, NTPC aims to develop 30 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. The company recently announced that about Rs 1.28 lakh crore will be invested in nuclear power projects by FY37.
Adani Power gearing up
Adani Power, the country’s largest private thermal power company, is also rapidly expanding into the nuclear power sector. The company is studying potential sites in Bina and Nigri of Madhya Pradesh. Both projects were previously owned by Jaiprakash Associates, which has been acquired by the Adani Group.
To push its nuclear power ambitions, Adani Power has formed a new subsidiary, Adani Atomic Energy. The company is also working on a plan to build two nuclear power plants in Odisha, each with a capacity of 2,800 MW. Investment proposals for these projects totaling approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore have been submitted to the state government.
Tata Power begins preliminary work
Tata Power has also identified potential project sites in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat. According to Praveer Sinha, the company’s MD and CEO soil testing and technical studies are going on at these locations. The company will be in a position to move forward with the projects within the next six to eight months.
The company aims to begin construction by early 2028 and commission its first nuclear reactor by FY33. However, the company has clarified that construction will only begin after detailed regulations are issued by the government.
Benefits of new technology
Experts believe that smart modular reactors and new nuclear technology can enable safer nuclear power plants to be developed on less land. This will help reduce challenges such as land acquisition, security and local approval. If the government issues regulations in a timely manner and projects are approved, India’s goal of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 can be achieved.
