NTPC is exploring multiple international collaborations across technology and fuel supply to advance its nuclear power ambitions as it diversifies its energy mix. The company is targeting around 30 GW of company-owned nuclear capacity across India, aligned with the government’s goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047. Sources said NTPC is aiming to commission about 2 GW of nuclear capacity as early as 2032.

On the technology front, NTPC has entered into non-disclosure agreements with global players Rosatom and EDF to explore collaboration on deploying large pressurised water reactor projects in India. In parallel, NTPC is also working with Holtec International to evaluate the deployment of small modular reactors for future projects, given their modular construction benefits, enhanced safety features and suitability for phased capacity addition.

The company is further assessing a minority equity investment in US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy as a strategic early-stage investment, subject to due diligence and statutory approvals. Clean Core Thorium Energy has developed a patented thorium and enriched uranium fuel, ANEEL, which it claims is compatible with existing pressurised heavy water reactors and CANDU reactors.

NTPC is also actively evaluating land options for nuclear sites in states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Final locations will be determined after securing approvals from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

Established in 1975 as a thermal power producer, NTPC has steadily diversified into multiple energy sources. According to the company, its group-level installed capacity now exceeds 85,000 MW across coal, gas and liquid fuel, hydro and solar power. At present, NTPC is developing a nuclear power project in a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited in Rajasthan, involving an investment of about Rs 420 billion. The company has stepped up its nuclear push following recent legislative changes aimed at attracting greater investment into the sector.