Tata Power Targets 2032-33 for First Nuclear Plant, Construction to Start Early 2028
Tata Power expects to build its first nuclear power plant as early as 2032-33, becoming one of the first private developers to enter India's nuclear sector after the government ended a decades-old state monopoly on atomic power. CEO Praveer Sinha said the company has shortlisted sites in at least three states and will begin work once the government finalises rules for private participation.
Sinha said construction could possibly begin in early 2028, with the company targeting 2032-33 for commissioning of its first private-sector nuclear plant. Tata Power has identified sites in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat, where geotechnical studies are already underway.
Sinha said he expects the government to provide clarity on issues such as long-term uranium supply and price stability as it finalises rules under the nuclear bill, with the regulatory approval process expected to take 12 to 14 months.
India's parliament passed legislation last year opening the nuclear power sector to private firms, with a target of expanding the country's nuclear generation capacity roughly elevenfold by 2047. Nuclear currently supplies about 3 percent of India's electricity, with state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation operating the entire existing capacity of 8.8 GW. The broader nuclear expansion is estimated to require close to ₹19.3 trillion ($202 billion) in investment, according to a government panel.
The push follows Australia's agreement earlier this month to supply uranium for India's civil nuclear programme, and comes as rules for private entry into nuclear power under the proposed SHANTI Act are being drafted by the Department of Atomic Energy.