State-run power major NTPC Ltd is set to submit its first feasibility study for a nuclear power project to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), seeking approval to move forward with its plans, sources said.
The approval would allow NTPC to begin work on its first standalone nuclear project in India, as the company targets at least 2 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2032.
The company is also conducting feasibility studies in other states and has recently received approval from the Bihar government to carry out a study for a proposed project in Banka district, The Economic Times reported.
As part of a broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, NTPC is planning to develop around 30 GW of nuclear capacity across at least 14 states. The investment is expected to run into several lakh crore rupees and contribute to the government’s long-term target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
According to sources, NTPC has completed a feasibility study in one state and is in the process of finalising studies in two more. The completed report is expected to be submitted to the DAE soon.
Under the approval process, the Standing Site Selection Committee of the DAE reviews such proposals and, if found suitable, forwards them to the Atomic Energy Commission for further consideration.
Officials said the Bihar government has recently supported NTPC’s plan to study a potential project in Banka district. Feasibility studies typically include estimates related to investment, land, water availability and other project requirements.
Sources indicated that NTPC is considering setting up at least two units of 700 MW each at proposed project sites.
Industry estimates suggest that building 1 GW of nuclear power capacity requires an investment of ₹15,000–20,000 crore, with a timeline of at least three years from planning to commissioning. A continuous water supply is also a key requirement for such projects.
NTPC is exploring potential sites in states including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Founded in 1975, NTPC has expanded from a thermal power generator into a diversified energy company. It currently has an installed capacity of over 89,800 MW across coal, gas, hydro and renewable energy sources.
In the nuclear segment, NTPC is already working on a joint project with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd in Rajasthan through a joint venture company, Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd.
The project, known as the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, involves setting up four units of 700 MW each. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September last year.
