NTPC will submit its first feasibility study for a standalone nuclear project to the Department of Atomic Energy and will seek approval to proceed. The approval would allow the public sector undertaking to begin its first independent nuclear site as it aims to achieve at least two gigawatt (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2032.

The company has completed a feasibility study in one state and is carrying out studies in two further states, and the Bihar Government has authorised a survey in Banka district. The Standing Site Selection Committee of the Department of Atomic Energy reviews proposals for technical feasibility before they are referred to the Atomic Energy Commission.

As part of a diversification strategy, NTPC plans to develop roughly thirty gigawatt across at least fourteen states to support the national target of one hundred gigawatt of nuclear capacity by 2047. Industry estimates indicate an investment of Rs 15,000-20,000 crore (150-200 bn) per gigawatt and that a project may take at least three years from concept to commissioning.

Feasibility studies include preliminary estimates of land, water and investment requirements, and planners note that continuous water supply is essential; five litres of water is cited to produce one unit of nuclear power and a one square kilometre exclusion zone may be required. NTPC is exploring states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra while advancing studies already under way.

Established in 1975 as a thermal generator, NTPC reports an installed capacity of 89,805.30 megawatt (MW) at group level across coal, gas, hydro and solar assets. The company is setting up a nuclear project in a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd in Rajasthan at an investment of about Rs 42,000 crore (420 bn), with NTPC holding forty nine per cent in ASHVINI and NPCIL holding the majority; the prime minister laid the foundation stone for the four by 700 megawatt (MW) Mahi Banswara project at Banswara in September.