India approves siting of four new nuclear reactors in Rajasthan

India’s nuclear regulator has approved the siting of the Mahi Banswara project, which includes four 700 MWe PHWR reactors, reinforcing the country’s strategy of fleet-based deployment.

Partagez:

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), India’s nuclear regulatory authority, has granted approval for the siting of four new nuclear reactors in Rajasthan’s Banswara district. The project, known as the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), involves the construction of Indian-designed pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) with a capacity of 700 megawatts electric each.

A regulatory milestone for nuclear fleet expansion

This siting consent represents the initial formal stage in India’s nuclear facility licensing process. According to AERB, the approval requires extensive technical reviews, including geotechnical, hydrogeological, radiological impact, baseline natural background, and soil assessments. AERB confirmed that the location meets current regulatory standards, while noting that the project is still subject to environmental clearance from the competent authority.

The Mahi Banswara units are part of a fleet-mode development strategy encompassing ten reactors approved by the Indian government. This bundled construction model is aimed at reducing both time and cost. Other reactors in this programme include Kaiga units 5 and 6 in Karnataka, Gorakhpur units 3 and 4 in Haryana, and Chutka units 1 and 2 in Madhya Pradesh.

A project led by a public joint venture

MBRAPP is being developed by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (Ashvini), a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). Approved by the government in 2024, the ownership structure allocates 51% to NPCIL and 49% to NTPC. The joint venture follows a 2016 amendment to the 1962 Atomic Energy Act allowing public-sector joint ownership of nuclear facilities.

Currently, only NPCIL and Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (Bhavini) hold legal rights to own and operate nuclear power plants in India. The inclusion of NTPC through Ashvini marks a new financing and development model for future nuclear infrastructure.

Progress in India’s nuclear development plan

Two 700 MWe units at Kakrapar in Gujarat are already commercially operational. Rajasthan unit 7 was connected to the grid in March, and construction is ongoing on unit 8. These projects highlight acceleration in India’s civil nuclear programme, which aims for significant capacity growth in the coming decades.

Under the siting consent terms, the Mahi Banswara site approval is valid for five years. Subsequent regulatory stages, including construction and commissioning permits, are still required before work can begin.

  • Populaires ​
North American biomethane market to reach 604 mmcfd in 2025
France: Toul inaugurates 8.5 MW biomass heating plant with ENGIE Solutions
Sasol and Akuo sign major solar energy supply agreement
Sierra Leone launches extensive offshore oil exploration with 60 potential blocks
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS