EDF, NTPC sign MoU to explore new Indian nuclear projects

The MoU was signed following approval from Indian ministries and government departments, NTPC said. It establishes a framework for both companies to jointly assess the feasibility and approach for collaboration, including understanding EDF’s EPR technology and its suitability for Indian requirements, exploring opportunities to maximise localisation for large-scale deployment, examining economic and tariff aspects, developing human resource capabilities through training programmes, evaluating potential project sites, and providing technical support as mutually agreed.

"This initiative aligns with NTPC’s strategy to expand into clean, reliable energy and contribute to India’s long-term energy security," NTPC said.

The MoU was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, CGM (Nuclear Cell), on behalf of NTPC, and Vakisasi Ramany, Senior Vice President, International Nuclear Development, on behalf of EDF.

NTPC is a Public Sector Undertaking under India's Ministry of Power. It currently operates more than 89 GW of installed capacity, with another 32 GW under construction, with a target to reach 149 GW of total capacity by 2032, including 60 GW from renewable energy sources, with a balanced mix of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, ensuring supply of reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the country.

Proposals for six EPR units at Jaitapur have long featured in India's energy plans, under the control of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

Restrictions under Indian law have in the past presented a barrier to the participation of private companies like NTPC in nuclear power projects, but in 2024, the Indian government approved the creation of Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (Ashvini), a joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC, to construct, own and operate nuclear power plants in India. The joint venture is now developing two Indian-designed 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactors, Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Nuclear Power Project units 1 and 2, for which excavation works began in late March. The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act 2025 - enacted at the end of last year - opens up India's nuclear sector to participation from private companies, including in plant operations, power generation, equipment manufacturing, and selected activities such as nuclear fuel fabrication.