Indian state-run NTPC (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation) 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, which has been approved by the relevant Ministries and Government Departments, was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, Corporate General Manager (Nuclear Cell), on behalf of NTPC, and Vakisasi Ramany, Senior Vice President for International Nuclear Development, representing EDF.
The agreement establishes a framework for both organisations to jointly assess:
- Feasibility and approach for nuclear project development;
- Suitability of EDF’s EPR (European Pressurised Reactor) technology for Indian conditions;
- Opportunities for localisation and large-scale deployment;
- Economic and tariff-related aspects;
- Human resource development through training programmes;
- Identification of potential project sites; and
- Technical support and collaboration areas.
This aligns with NTPC’s strategy to expand into clean, reliable energy and contribute to India’s long-term energy security. NTPC and its ventures currently operate more than 89 GWe of installed capacity, nearly 84% of which runs on coal and natural gas, with another 32 GWe under construction. The company has set a target to reach 149 GWe of total capacity by 2032, including 60 GWe from renewable energy sources.
India’s new SHANTI nuclear law has eased suppliers’ concerns over the liability regime that had deterred global investors opening up its market to foreign participants. NTPC subsequently signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with Russia’s state-owned Rosatom and France’s Electricité de France (EDF) to explore collaborations on large-scale pressurised water reactor (PWR) projects.
In March, India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) issued approval for start of excavation activities for construction of units 1&2 of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Nuclear Power Project (MBRAPP) which will have 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs), in which NTPC holds a share.
The approval was issued to Anushakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a joint venture formed in 2024 between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, NCPIL (51%) and NTPC (49%), to build, own and operate NPPs under the provisions of the 1962 Atomic Energy Act. The project, which entails an investment of INR420bn ($4.46bn) will be one of the largest nuclear plants in the country upon completion, supplying reliable base load energy.
