NTPC gets into action to develop mega PWR-based nuclear projects

New Delhi: NTPC plans to develop nuclear power capacity based on pressurised water reactor (PWR) technology and has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) from global consultants to prepare tender documents, evaluate bids and provide contract-award support for large-capacity projects. The last date for submission of EoIs is August 5.

This is the first such EoI issued by a company since the promulgation of the SHANTI Act, enacted last December. The law allows private-sector participation in nuclear power generation for the first time and limiting equipment suppliers' liability, as part of its goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.

NTPC has announced plans to build 30 GW of this capacity on its own. It is already developing the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project through ASHVINI, a joint venture with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India.


Last year, NTPC invited EoIs from global firms for collaboration on indigenising PWR technology and establishing large-capacity nuclear power plants with a target capacity of around 15 GW. The fully developed technology options available for large nuclear units in India are primarily pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs)- the country's only indigenous nuclear technology currently in use, and PWRs- the dominant reactor technology globally.

India's largest power producer has also signed non-disclosure agreements with Russia's Rosatom and France's EDF to explore tie-ups on large PWR projects, as reported by ET in January. However, ET had earlier reported NTPC was also evaluating the deployment of PHWR technology.