NTPC Ltd, is pursuing an ambitious plan to significantly increase its nuclear energy capacity over the next decade, according to statements from the company's leadership.

NTPC's chairman and managing director Gurdeep Singh revealed that the firm is seeking government approval to establish a new wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to nuclear power, reported Mint.

Through this new arm, called NTPC Nuclear Ltd, the company intends to develop 10 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear generation capacity within 10 years - an investment estimated at around Rs 1.5 trillion.

If realised, this large-scale nuclear expansion would more than double India's current installed nuclear capacity of approximately 7 GW.

Singh stated that NTPC is evaluating potential sites in the states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, which would require regulatory approval.

In addition to this independent nuclear venture, NTPC already jointly operates projects with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) through an existing joint venture called Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited.