In talks with states for nuclear plant sites

Tata Power is in discussions with many states, including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to identify suitable land parcels for its nuclear power plants, MD & CEO Praveer Sinha tells Arunima Bharadwaj in an interview.

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The firm is also actively pursuing bidding for Uttar Pradesh discoms, which are being privatised, and expects the tender to be out this month. Excerpts:

You have announced plans to enter the nuclear power sector. Have you identified the land parcels?

We are in discussions with some states, like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, to identify land. The land for nuclear plants has to be suitable from an earthquake perspective and should not be in an earthquake-prone area. Also, there should be enough water available. We also need to have a certain space which has to be left out. So, we have started looking at these places and let's see how it goes. States are willing (to make the land available), many have even shown us some land parcels and we are in discussions with them.

Can we expect a policy framework for private companies planning to enter the nuclear power sector?