Is Nuclear Next For Adani? Gautam Adani’s Tarapur Visit Raises Questions

Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, accompanied by senior officials, visited the Tarapur Maharashtra Site (TMS) to gain deeper insights into nuclear power technology and its operational framework, according to a statement from the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS).

The high-level delegation included key figures from Adani Energy, Adani Green, and the conglomerate’s energy strategy division.

During their visit on February 16, 2025, officials received a comprehensive briefing on India’s nuclear energy program, including its current status, strategic significance, and future roadmap. Senior executives from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and site management led the presentations.

The delegation toured the TAPS 3&4 plant areas, where experts provided a detailed overview of reactor operations, technological advancements, safety protocols, and the crucial role of nuclear energy in India’s clean energy transition.

Located in the industrial area of Boisar in Maharashtra’s Thane district, TAPS holds historical significance as India's first atomic power project, operational since October 28, 1969.

The site houses two Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) of 160 MW each, commissioned in 1969, and two Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 540 MW, added in 2005 and 2006.

With a total installed capacity of 1,400 MW, Tarapur is India’s third-largest nuclear power facility, following the 2,000 MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu and 1,840 MW Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat.

The government also announced a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission to drive research and development, with plans to establish five small modular reactors by 2033.

Adani Group has established a dominant presence across India's power value chain, spanning thermal, renewable, and energy transmission sectors.

Adani Power Limited stands as the country’s largest private thermal power producer, with an installed capacity of 15,250 MW. Its nine power plants, spread across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, ensure a strong foothold in India’s energy landscape.

At the same time, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) is driving the clean energy transition as India’s largest renewable energy company.

With a locked-in growth trajectory of up to 20.4 Gigawatts (GW), AGEL currently operates an 8.4 GW renewable energy portfolio—the largest in India—spread across 12 states, cumulatively offsetting over 41 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Additionally, Adani Energy Solutions Limited runs India’s largest private-sector transmission and distribution network, covering over 20,500 circuit kilometers and serving 12 million consumers. As the only private player to build and operate an HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) line, the company plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s energy infrastructure.

With the government opening the doors for private participation in nuclear energy, Adani’s potential entry into the sector could set the stage for a transformative shift in India’s atomic landscape. As major corporate players position themselves for a foothold, the race to shape the country’s nuclear future promises to be a spectacle worth watching.