NTPC hopes to generate 3.5 GW nuclear power by 2030: Official

New Delhi: State-owned NTPC Limited hopes to generate 3.5 GW of capacity by 2030 from its two nuclear power plants under construction, said an official. The power giant is working with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to develop small reactors that can be set up quickly, said a report.

NTPC is having discussions with foreign cos to develop SMRs

NTPC is also having discussions with American, French, and Russian companies for partnership in developing small modular reactors (SMRs), the official said. As per the information shared by the official, SMRs have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit which is about a third of the capacity of traditional nuclear reactors but being a mobile and agile technology, they can be set up in locations not suitable for larger plants. “The focus is on ensuring that all products for the SMRs are made in India. It will take some time as setting up SMRs takes around five years at the least," the official added.

NTPC developing 2 power plants

"NTPC is developing the two nuclear plants. One at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan and another at Chutka in Madhya Pradesh. These plants will be developed by the PSU in collaboration with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL)," said a report dated April 18. “Work has started at the two plants of Mahi Banswara and Chutka. By 2030, we should be able to commission these plants," the official said, adding nuclear capacity, which is currently under NTPC, maybe later housed under its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL).

"Power generated via SMRs would be part of NTPC’s targeted 60 GW installed green energy capacity by 2032. Currently, NTPC has a total installed power generation capacity of 71,644 GW, of which 3.01 GW is renewable energy," said a report.

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