Tata Power Eyes Nuclear Expansion, Awaits Regulatory Clarity
India’s Tata Power is evaluating potential sites across three states for future nuclear power projects, but final investment decisions hinge on clearer regulations, Chief Executive Praveer Sinha said. The move follows India’s recent atomic energy legislation opening the nuclear sector to private and foreign participation, supporting the country’s ambitious goal of expanding nuclear capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047. Sinha noted the company is particularly interested in smaller reactors, including small modular reactors, though high capital costs and limited private-sector experience in India remain challenges.
The company is currently in discussions with the Department of Atomic Energy, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, and several global technology partners. However, key frameworks — including licensing rules, fuel-sourcing mechanisms, and approval processes — are still being developed. Sinha said greater regulatory clarity is expected within six to nine months, after which Tata Power plans to proceed with site-related activities such as land acquisition. The company has not yet finalized the generation capacity of the proposed projects.
Separately, Tata Power expects to comfortably meet its imported coal needs this year after securing a full production quota from Indonesia’s Kaltim Prima Coal mine, in which it holds a 30% stake. The mine produces about 50 million metric tons annually. Despite reports of potential production cuts affecting Indonesian coal exports, the company said its supply remains stable. Tata Power also sources coal from Australia, South Africa, Mozambique, Kazakhstan, and other regions to maintain supply diversification.
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