NTPC Targets Rs 25,000 Crore Nuclear Power Project in Bihar's Banka

NTPC Aims to Diversify Energy Portfolio with New Nuclear Projects

As part of its energy diversification plan, state-owned NTPC is planning to set up two nuclear units of 700 MW each in the Banka district of Bihar, requiring an estimated investment of around Rs 25,000 crore. The project, which is still in its feasibility study phase, involves conducting assessments to determine its viability.

The Bihar government has assured full support for the project, including water availability. Initial estimates suggest that approximately 1,000 acres of land would be required for these units. According to industry estimates, a 1 GW nuclear plant typically requires an investment of Rs 15,000-20,000 crore and takes at least three years to complete from concept to commissioning.

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NTPC is aiming to set up around 30 GW of company-owned nuclear projects across various locations in the country, aligning with the government's ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. The power PSU is also planning to achieve at least 2 GW of nuclear capacity as early as 2032.

In addition to the proposed project in Bihar, NTPC is setting up a nuclear project in a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) in Rajasthan, with an estimated investment of about Rs 42,000 crore. This move comes as the company has accelerated its nuclear plans, following recent legislative changes aimed at attracting investment in this space.

NTPC Ltd has been steadily expanding and diversifying into new energy sources, including coal, gas/liquid fuel, hydro, and solar power, with an installed capacity of over 89,615 MW at the group level.