NTPC-NPCIL JV may invite bids for work on Rajasthan nuclear power unit this FY

NTPC Ltd and Nuclear Power Corporation of India, through joint venture Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd, are looking to invite bids for works of 2,800-MW Mahi Banswara Rajasthan nuclear power project in this financial year in line with the government’s aim to speed up nuclear power generation.
“The proposal has been sent to the Atomic Energy Commission,” one of the persons told ET on condition of anonymity.

In March, NTPC had signed a supplementary joint venture agreement with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India for the development of Mahi Banswara and 1,400 MW Chutka Madhya Pradesh Atomic Power projects.

The two projects have been identified for transfer from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India to Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam, said an NTPC official, who did not wish to be identified.

Project transfer is under process with the Department of Atomic Energy and anticipated to be concluded this year, the official said, adding that further activities of project execution can be taken up by the joint venture after the transfer.

“A meeting on the decision to transfer the assets and the joint venture stakes between the companies is likely to be held in 1-2 weeks,” another person said.
The development comes in the backdrop of the government’s target of achieving 22,800 MW nuclear power capacity by 2031-32 from the current 7,480 MW.The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan power project is estimated to cost about ₹44,800 crore, while the Chutka project is likely to cost about ₹22,400 crore, according to one of the persons.

“In 2024-25 we will see the joint venture coming into action. Whatever the commission decides, critical approval will be required,” the person said. The thermal power generator and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India had incorporated Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam in November 2016, but it did not take off.

The proposed projects will mark NTPC’s entry into nuclear power generation.