NTPC eyes two nuclear units in Bihar's Banka, may invest Rs 25,000 crore

The company is currently conducting a feasibility study to build two nuclear power units of 700 MW each in Banka district, located around 250 km from Patna. If approved, the project could involve an investment of around Rs 25,000 crore.

In Short

• Feasibility study underway with Rs 25,000 crore investment estimate
• Bihar government supports project, providing water and land
• NTPC targets 2 GW nuclear capacity by 2032, 30 GW long-term

NTPC Ltd is exploring plans to set up nuclear power units in Bihar, as part of its broader push to diversify beyond coal and expand into cleaner energy sources.

The company is currently conducting a feasibility study to build two nuclear power units of 700 MW each in Banka district, located around 250 km from Patna. If approved, the project could involve an investment of around Rs 25,000 crore.

The proposal is still at the feasibility stage, with detailed planning to follow once the initial study is completed, reported news agency PTI, quoting government official.

A detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared after the feasibility assessment, which will determine the viability of the project.

The Bihar government has assured support for the project, including water availability, which is critical for nuclear power plants. Around 1,000 acres of land is expected to be required for the proposed units.

BIG PUSH FOR NUCLEAR CAPACITY

The move is part of NTPC’s larger strategy to scale up nuclear power generation in line with the government’s long-term energy goals.

India aims to build 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, and NTPC is targeting around 30 GW of company-owned nuclear capacity across multiple locations.

The PSU is also looking to achieve at least 2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2032.

Industry estimates suggest that setting up 1 GW of nuclear power capacity typically requires an investment of Rs 15,000–20,000 crore and can take at least three years from concept to commissioning.

NTPC EXPANDS ENERGY MIX

NTPC, which has an installed capacity of over 89,615 MW at the group level, has been expanding its energy mix beyond coal into gas, hydro and renewable energy.

The company is also working on a nuclear project in partnership with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd in Rajasthan, with an estimated investment of around Rs 42,000 crore.

The latest proposal in Bihar signals NTPC’s intent to accelerate its nuclear ambitions, especially as policy changes aim to attract more investment into the sector.

The proposed Bihar project reflects a growing focus on nuclear energy as India looks to balance rising power demand with cleaner energy sources.

While the project is still at an early stage, it highlights the scale at which NTPC is planning to expand its presence in nuclear power in the coming years.

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