NTPC-NPCIL JV may get site for nuclear power project of 2*700 MW

Central utility NTPC’s plan to enter nuclear power generation business might take off soon, with the government planning to allocate a site for the development of 2X700 mw capacity to the proposed NTPC-NPCIL joint venture (JV). The department of atomic energy (DAE) is in the process of finalising site for the JV. In a twin strategy to reduce its expanding carbon footprint and bolster fuel security for its power plants, India’s largest thermal power generator NTPC has drawn up plans to reduce its dependence on coal. As part of the strategy, it has planned forays into non-conventional power generation like renewable and nuclear. NTPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nuclear Power Corporation of India in February last year to jointly develop nuclear power generation capacity. However, a required JV is yet to be floated. The NPCIL has plans to build indigenously developed Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRS) of 700 mw at four locations across the country. While two plants each are expected to come up at Rawat Bhata in Rajasthan and Kakrapar in Gujarat, plans are afoot to finalize sites in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh for atomic power plants. Meanwhile, NTPC, which has targeted to have 75 gw capacity by March 2017, has been facing delays in implementing power projects. The company expects to add 4,000 mw-5,000 mw capacity in the current financial year 2010-11 that would entail capital expenditure of Rs 29,000 crore.