NTPC, India’s largest power producer, is looking to ramp up its nuclear energy capacity significantly, aiming to develop 30 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power over the next two decades, which is three times more than its initial target of 10 GW. The company’s ambitious plan, which could cost around $62 billion, comes as the Indian government opens the nuclear sector to foreign and private investments.
The nuclear power expansion plan has been spurred by the government’s push to boost non-fossil fuel energy sources, with an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil electricity generation capacity by 2030. India also aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. NTPC's focus is to take a leadership role in nuclear power, similar to its dominance in the thermal power sector.
NTPC is currently seeking land in eight states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, to carry out detailed studies in 27 potential locations. The company faces challenges related to public resistance and land acquisition, issues that have hindered the growth of India’s nuclear power sector in the past.
The country’s current nuclear power capacity is 8 GW, operated solely by the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), which plans to expand its capacity to 20 GW by 2032. NTPC is already collaborating with NPCIL to build two 2.6 GW nuclear plants in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
With this expanded nuclear capacity, NTPC seeks to position itself at the forefront of India’s nuclear energy growth, aiming to contribute significantly to the nation’s energy transition and sustainability goals.
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