NTPC to begin nuclear feasibility studies in Uttar Pradesh and more states
The state-run power producer is surveying locations in Uttar Pradesh after identifying sites in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
State-owned power major NTPC is extending its feasibility studies for nuclear power projects into new states, including Uttar Pradesh, as part of a national push to build 30 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
The state-run generator, which supplies roughly a quarter of India's electricity with over 91,000 MW of installed capacity, has already completed preliminary assessments in three states. These studies identified potential project sites at Banka in Bihar, Basai in Madhya Pradesh, and Nabarangpur in Odisha.
NTPC plans to deploy standard power plant layouts averaging 1,400 MW, comprised of two 700 MW units each. The initiative aligns with the Union government's target of expanding national nuclear capacity from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047. As an intermediate milestone, NTPC aims to bring at least 2 GW of non-fossil nuclear capacity online by 2032.
Key parameters and site locations
Nuclear power developments require strict technical, safety, and logistical checks before site selection moves to central regulators. The company evaluates continuous cooling water access—requiring five litres of water per unit of power produced—land availability with a one-square-kilometre exclusion zone, seismic safety, and proximity to heavy transport infrastructure.
Under Atomic Energy Regulatory Board guidelines, candidate sites must have no active seismic faults within a 5 km radius.
| State | Proposed location | Standard plant capacity | Assessment status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bihar | Banka | 1,400 MW (2x700 MW) | Completed |
| Madhya Pradesh | Basai | 1,400 MW (2x700 MW) | Completed |
| Odisha | Nabarangpur | 1,400 MW (2x700 MW) | Completed |
| Uttar Pradesh | To be announced | 1,400 MW (2x700 MW) | Planned |
Infrastructure investments and global partnerships
Expanding nuclear capacity forms a cornerstone of India's long-term energy security and industrial growth. Industry estimates place the cost of setting up 1 GW of nuclear capacity between Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 20,000 crore, requiring a timeline of at least three years from concept to commissioning.
To support the national target, the Central Electricity Authority estimates an overall investment of Rs 15 lakh crore will be needed to add 91 GW of nuclear capacity across the country.
NTPC is exploring technical collaborations with leading international reactor vendors, including US-based Westinghouse, Russia's Rosatom, and France's EDF, to evaluate large pressurized water reactor technology.
Once NTPC completes a feasibility study, it submits the assessment to the Department of Atomic Energy. The Standing Site Selection Committee then reviews the proposal before sending technically viable options to the Atomic Energy Commission for final approval.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NTPC 2047 nuclear capacity target | 30 GW | NTPC |
| National 2047 nuclear capacity target | 100 GW | Central Electricity Authority |
| Current national nuclear capacity | 8.8 GW | Central Electricity Authority |
| Estimated cost per 1 GW nuclear capacity | Rs 15,000-20,000 crore | Industry estimates |
| Total investment needed for 100 GW nuclear target | Rs 15 lakh crore | Central Electricity Authority |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| NTPC | State-owned energy firm conducting feasibility studies for nuclear power expansion. |
