NTPC Prepares Feasibility Report for First Nuclear Power Plant in Bihar
India’s Nuclear Ambition Takes Shape: NTPC Prepares to Submit Feasibility Report for its First N-power Plant
In a significant step towards realizing the country’s ambitious nuclear energy goals, the state-owned power behemoth, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), is gearing up to submit a feasibility report to the Central government for its first nuclear power plant.
This development is a crucial milestone in India’s journey to achieve the ambitious target of 100 GW (gigawatt) atomic power capacity by 2047.
Updated: May 11, 2026
India’s Nuclear Ambition Takes Shape: NTPC Prepares to Submit Feasibility Report for its First N-power Plant
In a significant step towards realizing the country’s ambitious nuclear energy goals, the state-owned power behemoth, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), is gearing up to submit a feasibility report to the Central government for its first nuclear power plant. This development is a crucial milestone in India’s journey to achieve the ambitious target of 100 GW (gigawatt) atomic power capacity by 2047.
What Happened?
NTPC has identified a suitable piece of land in Bihar, where it plans to set up its maiden nuclear power plant. The company has proposed to build the first units of 700 MW (megawatt) capacity, marking the beginning of a massive plan to establish 30 GW of nuclear capacity across 14 states by 2047. This move demonstrates NTPC’s commitment to playing a vital role in India’s nuclear energy landscape, which is expected to undergo a significant transformation in the coming years.
Background: India’s Nuclear Energy Journey
India’s nuclear energy program has its roots in the 1950s, with the establishment of its first nuclear power plant, Tarapur Atomic Power Station. Since then, the country has gradually expanded its nuclear capacity, with the goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency. In 2020, the government announced its intention to increase the country’s nuclear energy capacity to 63 GW by 2032, a move aimed at reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels and meeting the growing energy demands of its rapidly expanding economy.
Key Concerns: Safety, Cost, and Public Perception
While the nuclear energy sector offers several benefits, including low greenhouse gas emissions and high power generation efficiency, there are concerns surrounding safety, cost, and public perception. The devastating 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan remains a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks associated with nuclear power generation. In India, the safety and security of nuclear power plants have been a subject of debate, with many experts emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures.
Moreover, the high upfront costs associated with building a nuclear power plant have been a major concern. The estimated costs of constructing a nuclear power plant are significantly higher than those of traditional fossil fuel-based power plants. Additionally, the issue of public perception remains a significant hurdle, with many communities in areas where nuclear power plants are proposed expressing concerns over radioactive waste disposal and environmental impact.
What’s Next?
The submission of the feasibility report by NTPC marks an important step in the country’s nuclear energy journey. The Central government will review the report, which will be followed by a series of assessments and evaluations to determine the feasibility of the project. Once the project is deemed viable, construction will begin, and the first units of the nuclear power plant are expected to be operational by 2028. As India continues to push for a cleaner and more energy-efficient future, the success of this project will play a crucial role in determining the country’s ability to meet its ambitious nuclear energy targets.
This development marks a decisive stride towards India's nuclear ambition, but a key question remains: will the country's nuclear energy landscape be defined by safety or spectacle? As NTPC sets the stage for its maiden nuclear power plant, the Central government must carefully balance India's pressing energy needs against the lingering concerns of a nation still haunted by the Fukushima disaster.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
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