NTPC Plans To Build Large Nuclear Fleet, Aims To Install 20-30 Gigawatt Of Capacity By 2040: Report

NTPC Ltd., India's top power producer, is planning to build a large nuclear fleet to support the nation's efforts to shift away from coal and curb emissions in order to reach net-zero by 2070.

The state-run power firm aims to install 20 to 30 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2040, Bloomberg reported citing person familiar with the company's plans.

At present, India has 22 operational reactors with a capacity of about 6.8 gigawatts.

NTPC is reportedly considering the use of small-scale modular reactors, known as SMRs, as part of its strategy.

The state-run electricity generator is leaning towards the smaller reactors as they can be built more quickly and easily adjusted to the grid requirements, one source said. They can also be installed in remote, off-grid areas.

The power PSU is also working on larger projects with state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

NTPC has assembled a 15-member team in Mumbai to drive its nuclear ambitions, the report said citing one of the people aware of the company's plans.

The company plans to reduce the share of fossil fuels to nearly 50 per cent of its overall capacity by 2032, compared with around 90 per cent currently. This shift will be facilitated by the development of more solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear facilities.