India’s state-run NTPC, the country’s largest power producer, is exploring the possibility of using small modular reactors (SMRs) to replace its older thermal power plants. This marks the first such initiative since the country opened up its nuclear sector, according to a tender document released on April 8.
The company has invited consultants to conduct feasibility studies for SMRs. These reactors have simpler designs than traditional large nuclear plants and can be scaled up to meet growing energy demand. NTPC, which primarily operates coal-fired power plants, is looking to identify older plants that could be retired within the next five years and replaced with SMRs.
In February, Reuters reported that NTPC had been in talks with foreign companies, including those from Russia and the U.S., about building SMRs. NTPC’s total capacity, including its joint ventures, currently stands at around 63 gigawatts (GW) from coal-fired plants.
Earlier this year, India announced plans to amend its nuclear liability law to encourage foreign and private investments. The goal is to expand nuclear power capacity to at least 100 GW by 2047, up from the current 8 GW, all of which is operated by the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India. Although other companies, such as Tata Power, have shown interest in building SMRs, NTPC is the first to issue a formal tender.
In addition to SMRs, NTPC also plans to build larger nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 15 GW. The company has already begun work on two nuclear plants, each with a capacity of 2.6 GW.
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