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:

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.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.