Tata Power Targets India's First Private Nuclear Power Plant by 2032-33
Tata Power is targeting the commissioning of India's first privately developed nuclear power plant by 2032-33, with construction expected to begin in 2028, subject to the government's approval of a regulatory framework that will allow private participation in the nuclear energy sector.
Tata Power Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Praveer Sinha said the company has identified potential sites for nuclear power projects in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat, where preliminary geotechnical studies are already underway.
According to Sinha, construction could commence in early 2028 once the government finalizes the policy framework and regulatory approvals are secured. He noted that the approval process alone is expected to take 12 to 14 months, according to a Bloomberg report.
"We are targeting that by 2032-33, the first nuclear plant from the private sector should be ready," Sinha said.
The company is also awaiting clarity on critical issues such as long-term uranium fuel availability and pricing mechanisms, which are essential before making large-scale investments in nuclear power projects. ALSO READ: US to impose forced labor tariffs on many trading partners, including India
India's decision to open the nuclear power sector to private companies marks a significant policy shift after decades of exclusive government control. The move is expected to accelerate clean energy deployment, strengthen energy security, and support the country's long-term decarbonization goals as electricity demand continues to rise.
The renewed emphasis on nuclear energy reflects a broader global trend, with several countries expanding or reviving nuclear power to meet growing electricity needs driven by artificial intelligence, data centres, and industrial growth. While Japan is restarting nuclear reactors, countries such as China, South Korea, and Bangladesh are continuing to expand their nuclear power capacity.
At present, nuclear energy contributes only about 3% of India's total electricity generation. The country's operational nuclear capacity of approximately 8.8 GW is entirely owned and operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL).
The Indian government has set an ambitious goal of increasing nuclear power capacity more than eleven-fold by 2047. A government-appointed panel has estimated that achieving this target will require investments of nearly ₹19.3 trillion.
Earlier this month, India and Australia also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the civil nuclear sector, including uranium supplies for India's civilian nuclear programme, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Australia. ALSO READ: Can India become the next semiconductor hub after Taiwan?
