Maha signs MoUs for nuclear power projects of 25,400 MW
Mumbai, May 19
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday signed Memorandums of Understanding with NTPC Limited and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited to set up power projects with a total generation capacity of 25,400 MW.
The project development entails a total investment of Rs 6,50,000 crore and is expected to generate 23,500 jobs.
Minister of Renewable Energy Atul Save said the developers would carry out due diligence and ground-level surveys to finalise project sites in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.
He said the developers may opt for the installation of Small Modular Reactors, Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, Light Water Reactors, or Fast Breeder Reactors, depending on the detailed project reports.
Save said Maharashtra was joining the Centre's ambitious target of nuclear capacity addition of 1,00,000 MW by 2047, coinciding with India's Viksit Bharat centenary goal and acting as a cornerstone for its 2070 net-zero emission commitments.
"With today's Memorandums of Understanding, projects with a generation capacity of 25,400 MW will be developed. The government will provide the necessary help to the developers, including all clearances and approvals," he said.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, the state-run NTPC Limited will invest Rs 1,00,000 crore, with an expected power generation of 7,200 MW and the creation of 5,000 jobs.
Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited (Bajaj Group) will invest Rs 2,00,000 crore in the state, generating 5,000 MW of power and creating 3,000 jobs.
In total, an investment of Rs 6,50,000 crore will be made in the state, resulting in an expected 25,400 MW of power generation and the creation of 1,23,500 jobs, the release said.
"PM Modi has set a goal to make India an energy-abundant nation and achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Maharashtra is making every possible effort to fulfil this objective," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said during the signing of the Memorandums of Understanding.
He said investments in the state's clean energy generation sector would strengthen efforts to make the nation energy-abundant.
"The state government will extend full cooperation to companies interested in investing in the nuclear power generation sector within Maharashtra," Fadnavis said.
He added that Maharashtra has immense opportunities in the clean energy generation sector and noted that nuclear energy is crucial for clean energy production.
According to the Chief Minister, investments in this sector would accelerate the state's progress in power generation and create significant employment opportunities.
"Maharashtra will always lead the country in clean energy generation," he said.
The Chief Minister also urged the companies to take swift action to implement the Memorandums of Understanding.
He said the respective companies should conduct site surveys for the projects and assured that the concerned state government departments would assist them.
A government officer said that, replacing the legacy Atomic Energy Act of 1962, the SHANTI Act opens up the domestic nuclear sector to private Indian entities and global partnerships.
He said the Act establishes clear rules for Foreign Direct Investment and seeks to adjust the supplier liability framework to attract international technology providers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Viksit Bharat 2047 needs energy security. But don't we have enough solar and wind potential? Nuclear waste management is still a concern. The SHANTI Act sounds promising for private participation, but what about safety protocols? Having NTPC onboard adds credibility. At least we're moving away from coal. 👏
Big announcement but details are vague. 25,400 MW over how many years? Also, Ratnagiri already has Jaitapur nuclear plant issues. Need to ensure local fishermen and farmers are compensated fairly. NTPC's 7,200 MW at Rs 1 lakh crore sounds efficient compared to Bajaj's 5,000 MW at Rs 2 lakh crore. Is there cost overrun risk? 🤔
From a US perspective, 25 GW nuclear is ambitious but doable if India adopts modular designs. The SHANTI Act opening FDI is smart—brings Westinghouse or GE Hitachi tech. Maharashtra's coastal location is great for cooling. Just hope the 1.23 lakh jobs are skilled ones, not just construction. Clean baseload power is essential for Viksit Bharat. 🌍
Finally breaking the nuclear monopoly! Private sector involvement will bring efficiency. But remember Chernobyl and Fukushima? SMRs address some safety issues. The real test is public acceptance. Maharashtra government should start awareness campaigns in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Also, 6.5 lakh crore is almost 1% of India's GDP—huge commitment! Let's hope timelines are realistic.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.