NTPC to float global bids for mega nuclear reactors soon

STATE-RUN NTPC IS planning to float a global tender for large nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 6-10 gigawatts (GW) soon, marking India’s largest power producer’s graduation to utility-scale production of nuclear energy.

- ARUNIMA BHARADWAJ

STATE-RUN NTPC IS planning to float a global tender for large nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 6-10 gigawatts (GW) soon, marking India’s largest power producer’s graduation to utility-scale production of nuclear energy.

The company has sought the government’s nod for the same and aims to launch the tender once clearance is received, an official told FE. The units, six in number, will have pressurised water reactors.

If substantial manufacturing of equipment is indigenised, the capital costs of these reactors may come down from ₹30 crore per MW to ₹22-25 crore per MW, sources said. The tender size could therefore be in the range of ₹1.3-2.2 lakh crore, assuming the cost efficiencies have been achieved.

The tender will follow an expression of interest (EoI) issued by NTPC earlier this year. “We floated a global Eol to know the market and if global suppliers and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) were interested in the Indian market,” the official said.