State-run NTPC said on Wednesday that it has signed a Non-Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Électricité de France (EDF) to explore cooperation in developing new nuclear power projects in India.
The MoU has been approved by the concerned Ministries and Departments under the Government of India, the country’s largest power generator said.
The MoU establishes a framework for both companies to jointly assess the feasibility and approach for collaboration, including understanding EDF’s EPR technology and its suitability for Indian requirements, exploring opportunities to maximise localisation for large-scale deployment, examining economic and tariff aspects, developing human resource capabilities through training programmes, evaluating potential project sites, and providing technical support as mutually agreed.
This initiative aligns with NTPC’s strategy to expand into clean, reliable energy and contribute to India’s long-term energy security.
In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam’s (ASHVINI) Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project at Banswara in Rajasthan.
The project, which entails an investment of around ₹42,000 crore, will be one of the largest nuclear plants in the country upon completion, supplying reliable base load energy.
Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) comprises four indigenous 700 megawatt (MW) Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with advanced safety features, also known as IPHWR 700.
NTPC currently operates more than 89 gigawatt (GW) of installed capacity, with another 32 GW under construction. The company has set a target to reach 149 GW of total capacity by 2032, including 60 GW from renewable energy sources.
This includes a balanced mix of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, ensuring supply of reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the country.
Along with power generation, NTPC has ventured into various new business areas, including e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen solutions.