NTPC Targets 30 GW Nuclear Expansion, Seeks Global Partnerships.

India’s state-run power giant NTPC is ramping up its nuclear ambitions, planning to build 30 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity over the next two decades—three times its initial target—at an estimated cost of $62 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The move follows the Indian government’s recent decision to open the nuclear sector to foreign and private investment. NTPC, which primarily operates coal-fired plants, is actively seeking land for its expansion, despite local resistance to such projects, the sources said.

"NTPC plans to lead India's nuclear power expansion just as it did in the thermal sector," one source stated, adding that identified sites have strong potential for large-scale capacity additions.

Strategic Expansion and Land Acquisition

NTPC had originally aimed for 10 GW of nuclear capacity but tripled its target in alignment with India's broader energy goals. The country is committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity by 2030, with a target of at least 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.

Currently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is the sole operator of the country’s nearly 8 GW nuclear capacity, which is expected to grow to 20 GW by 2032. NTPC, in partnership with NPCIL, is already developing two nuclear plants—one in Madhya Pradesh and another in Rajasthan—each with a capacity of 2.6 GW.

The company is also securing early-stage approvals for land in eight states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, to conduct feasibility studies across 27 locations. These sites could potentially accommodate at least 50 GW of nuclear power capacity.

Private Sector and Global Collaboration

With the nuclear sector opening up, private Indian utilities and conglomerates such as Tata Power, Vedanta, Reliance Industries, and Adani Power have expressed interest in nuclear energy investments.

NTPC’s newly formed subsidiary, NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam, is expected to spearhead nuclear investments, including forming global partnerships. The company is in talks with foreign firms, including Russia and the U.S., for the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Potential partners include France’s EDF, as well as U.S.-based General Electric and Holtec International. EDF has signaled its readiness to collaborate with Indian partners on an SMR project, while Holtec has confirmed early-stage discussions with NTPC and is awaiting government approvals. The firm expects to sell 200-300 SMRs in India by 2047.

Policy Reforms and Government Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during recent visits to France and the U.S., emphasized collaboration in nuclear energy development. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed amendments to India’s Atomic Energy Act, which currently restricts private investments in nuclear power. She also announced a ₹20,000 crore allocation for SMR research and development, with at least five SMRs expected to be operational by 2033.

Despite the strong demand outlook for nuclear energy, regulatory hurdles remain, particularly under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, which has deterred foreign fuel and equipment suppliers. However, ongoing policy changes could pave the way for greater private and international participation in India’s nuclear sector.

HBL