The Naveen Jindal Group, a prominent steel-to-ports conglomerate, has initiated talks with leading global nuclear technology providers, including France's EDF and US-based Westinghouse, for ambitious nuclear power projects across India. The group's plans involve developing approximately 18 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity in multiple states, a move estimated to require an investment of Rs 2 lakh crore.
This significant investment aligns with the Indian government's broader objective to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, bolstering the nation's energy security and clean energy transition. The Jindal Group is among the first corporate houses to commit to India's nuclear sector following recent legal amendments designed to encourage greater private sector participation.
Evaluating Global and Domestic Reactor Technologies
Jindal Nuclear Power Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jindal Renewables, is actively evaluating potential project sites across more than nine states. These include Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Concurrently, the company is engaging in parallel discussions with various technology providers to assess advanced reactor technologies suitable for deployment in India.
The discussions encompass a range of reactor types, including EDF's 1,650 MW European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) and Westinghouse's 1,150 MW AP1000 reactors. Furthermore, the group is exploring partnerships with the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) to potentially source indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology for future projects. The final selection of technology will be based on comprehensive assessments of safety, scalability, commercial viability, and long-term operational performance.
Private Sector's Growing Role in Nuclear Energy
The Jindal Group's entry into the nuclear power sector underscores a growing trend of private entities contributing to India's energy infrastructure. Other major players like Tata Power and NTPC have also announced their intentions to develop nuclear power projects. NTPC, for instance, is already implementing projects through a joint venture with NPCIL in Rajasthan.
The Naveen Jindal Group's strategic move to build substantial nuclear capacity and its engagement with both domestic and international technology partners signify a pivotal step in the expansion and diversification of India's nuclear power landscape.