India’s power leader NTPC is planning to establish a nuclear energy project in Bihar, marking a significant step in diversifying its non-fossil fuel energy portfolio. Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh shared this announcement during the ‘Bihar Business Connect 2024’ summit.
To facilitate the project, NTPC has approached the Bihar government for suitable land, underscoring the company’s commitment to tapping into nuclear energy as a key component of future power generation. “Nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in the energy sector over the next 20-30 years. NTPC is now taking strides into this critical energy domain,” Singh stated.
Although details remain under wraps, Singh noted that feasibility studies would precede further developments. This move aligns with the recent government approval of Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI), a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and NTPC, to construct, own, and operate nuclear power facilities under the Atomic Energy Act.
Beyond nuclear, NTPC is keen on exploring various renewable energy avenues in Bihar, including rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects, floating solar installations, pumped hydro storage, and large-scale battery energy storage systems. The company plans to contribute significantly to its target of achieving 60,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, with Bihar being a focal point.
NTPC currently has an installed capacity of 8,850 MW in Bihar, representing an investment of approximately ₹80,000 crore. Singh revealed plans for additional battery storage solutions ranging between 3,000-4,000 MWh in the state.
In a further boost to Bihar’s energy infrastructure, Nabinagar Power Generating Company Ltd (NPGCL), an NTPC subsidiary, is advancing a 2,400 MW power project. Nationally, NTPC’s total installed capacity stands at 76,531 MW, encompassing thermal, solar, and wind energy sources.
