NTPC identifies potential sites for new nuclear power projects in India

NTPC is scoping at least 30 locations across five to six Indian states for potential nuclear power projects as it seeks to expand clean energy capacity and move toward global tenders for large reactors.
NTPC identifies potential sites for new nuclear power projects in India
A What happened
NTPC is scoping at least 30 locations across India where it could build nuclear power projects, with sites spread across five to six states including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. People familiar with the matter said exact locations were not shared due to concern about triggering local protests. NTPC aims to finalize site selection by the middle of this year before seeking global bids for large reactors. The government passed a new nuclear law last month to address suppliers’ concerns about India’s liability regime.

Key insights

  • 1

    Site selection precedes global reactor tenders: People familiar with the matter said NTPC’s plan to finalize locations by mid-year is a crucial step before seeking global bids for large reactors.

  • 2

    New nuclear law targets supplier liability concerns: The government passed a new nuclear law last month to assuage suppliers’ concerns over India’s liability regime that had spooked global investors.

  • 3

    Location criteria include distance from settlements and seismic risk: Upcoming plants should be at least 1 kilometer away from residential settlements, sit on a low seismic zone, and be close to a water source.

Takeaways

NTPC is moving toward selecting nuclear project sites and preparing for global tenders while India updates its nuclear framework to attract suppliers.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation Climate & Environment Energy

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