NTPC is preparing to seek approval from the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) for its first 1,400 MW nuclear power project, marking a significant step in the state-run power giant’s expansion into nuclear energy.
According to a senior company official, feasibility studies for the proposed project have already been completed, and the company plans to begin land acquisition after receiving regulatory clearance from the AEC.
The project will be based on India’s indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology and is expected to comprise two units of 700 MW each.
While the exact location of the project has not yet been disclosed, NTPC is reportedly planning a broader nuclear expansion strategy across multiple states.
The official said the company aims to establish at least two 700 MW units each in 14 states, highlighting the scale of its long-term nuclear ambitions. The estimated investment cost for the projects is expected to be around ₹20 crore per MW.
The move comes as India accelerates efforts to diversify its energy mix and expand non-fossil fuel power generation capacity to meet rising electricity demand and climate goals.
Traditionally focused on coal-based thermal power generation, NTPC has been aggressively diversifying into renewable energy, green hydrogen, pumped hydro storage, and now nuclear power.
Nuclear energy is increasingly being viewed as a critical source of stable baseload power that can complement intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind.
India’s indigenous PHWR technology, developed by the country’s nuclear establishment, has become a central pillar of the government’s strategy to scale domestic nuclear generation while reducing dependence on imported reactor technology.
The proposed project also reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen energy security and reduce carbon emissions as India moves toward its long-term clean energy transition targets.
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