NTPC creates a nuclear subsidiary and focuses on SMRs

NTPC, India's largest energy producer, confirms the creation of a dedicated nuclear subsidiary, with a focus on small modular reactors (SMRs), marking a strategic turning point in its energy diversification.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

NTPC, India’s leading electricity producer, officially announces the creation of a subsidiary dedicated to nuclear power.
This decision is part of the company’s diversification strategy, and is aimed at strengthening its position in the fast-changing energy market.
The new subsidiary, named NTPC Nuclear Power Company, will be fully controlled by NTPC and will focus on the development of nuclear projects, including small modular reactors (SMRs).
The move comes as NTPC prepares to launch its first nuclear project in partnership with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
This project, located at Mahi Banswara in the state of Rajasthan, marks the beginning of NTPC’s involvement in the nuclear sector.
The company also plans to develop similar projects in other regions, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Karnataka, subject to approval by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

SMR: a flexible solution for diversification

Alongside its traditional nuclear projects, NTPC is focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) as an innovative and flexible solution to India’s growing energy needs.
SMRs, which offer greater modularity and a reduced carbon footprint, are seen as a key element in the country’s energy transition. NTPC plans to work with the private sector to accelerate the development of this technology, building on the legislative framework amended in 2016 that allows public joint ventures to participate in the nuclear sector.
The plans for these SMRs are part of a long-term vision in which NTPC envisages playing a central role in India’s energy diversification.
The company intends to capitalize on its experience in the thermal sector to replicate this success in the nuclear field.
By targeting gigawatts of installed capacity in the coming decades, NTPC is positioning SMRs as a strategic response to today’s energy challenges.

Legislative context and strategic challenges

The Indian legislative framework, which limits the ownership and operation of nuclear power plants to two public entities, NPCIL and Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), was relaxed in 2016 to allow joint ventures with the public sector.
This change paved the way for NTPC to join forces with NPCIL, marking a decisive step in the diversification of its activities.
NTPC sees nuclear power as an opportunity not only to diversify its energy portfolio, but also to make a significant contribution to India’s energy security.
The company plans to replicate its successful development model in the thermal sector, leveraging strategic partnerships and advanced technologies to optimize its nuclear investments.

Future prospects for NTPC

NTPC’s growing involvement in the nuclear sector is a strong signal to the Indian energy industry.
With the creation of this new subsidiary and its focus on SMRs, NTPC is demonstrating its determination to establish itself as a key player in the energy sector.
This development could also influence other public and private companies to invest in innovative nuclear technologies.
The next few months will be crucial for NTPC, as it seeks to obtain the necessary approvals and finalize its plans for new nuclear sites.
The company seems ready to meet these challenges, with a clear vision of its role in India’s energy future.

A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.
Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, plans the first use of its GNF4 boiling water reactor fuel in 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2030.
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.
Italian company Terra Innovatum is advancing the commercialisation of its SOLO micro-reactor, with two new partnerships and $42.5mn in funding as part of a merger with a listed company.
The Nurlikum Mining joint venture enters a new industrial phase with the launch of the South Djengeldi project, targeting annual production of 500 tonnes of uranium over ten years in Uzbekistan.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.