NTPC is in talks with global nuclear technology firms – EDF of France, Russia's Rosatom, and the US-based Westinghouse Electric Corporation to build small modular reactors (SMRs) in India. These factory-built reactors, with capacities up to 300 MW, being considered for locations unsuitable for larger nuclear facilities, will aid India's push to achieve 20 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2030 from the current 7.48 GW.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, part of its energy transition and climate commitments. NTPC, aiming to expand its nuclear power footprint, is in discussion with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to develop indigenous SMR technologies. The company plans to invest Rs 1.5 trillion to set up 10 GW of nuclear capacity over 10 years. It has sought government approval to establish a wholly-owned nuclear power subsidiary.
Rosatom is currently developing the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, EDF is the lead supplier for the Jaitapur project in Maharashtra, and Westinghouse is collaborating with NPCIL on building six reactors.
NTPC’s joint venture with NPCIL, Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam is advancing plans for the Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project in Rajasthan, a 4x700 MW undertaking with a capital expenditure of Rs 50,400 crore.
The Union government has allocated Rs 1 trillion for SMR research and development in the interim FY-25 Budget. Union Minister Jitendra Singh had emphasized the government’s commitment during a US-India Civil Nuclear Commerce bilateral meeting in August. International collaboration is a focus area, with India exploring partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and funding to deploy SMRs.
