Three old thermal power sites shortlisted for new nuclear power projects

Three decommissioned or ageing thermal (coal-based) power station sites have been shortlisted for setting up new nuclear power plants, as part of India's nuc...

What Happened

Three decommissioned or ageing thermal (coal-based) power station sites have been shortlisted for setting up new nuclear power plants, as part of India's nuclear energy expansion strategy.
The shortlisting followed a multi-stage evaluation: an initial pool of 28 sites was narrowed to 10 after preliminary screening, then to 6 after field visits, and then to 3 following detailed deliberation using a 17-point checklist.
The checklist parameters included site location, land and water availability, seismic risk assessment, population density, proximity to exclusion zone requirements, and grid connectivity.
Two of the three shortlisted sites are considered suitable for 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), while the third may host smaller 220 MWe PHWRs.
Two sites meet land and water requirements but face challenges with the standard nuclear exclusion zone dimensions; proposals to reduce required exclusion zone distances are under review.
The move is part of India's long-term strategy to expand nuclear installed capacity from the current 8.8 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047.

Static Topic Bridges

Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the SHANTI Act, 2025

The primary statutory framework for India's nuclear programme has historically been the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (No. 33 of 1962, enacted September 15, 1962). The Act grants the Central Government exclusive authority to "produce, develop, use and dispose of atomic energy." A 1987 amendment enabled operations through government companies and public sector undertakings. In December 2025, Parliament enacted the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, which repeals and replaces the 1962 Atomic Energy Act, opening pathways for private sector participation in nuclear energy.

Under the 1962 Act/SHANTI framework, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) — incorporated in 1987 under the Companies Act as a Government of India Enterprise — is responsible for design, construction, commissioning, and operation of nuclear power plants.
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) — now replaced by the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Authority (NERA) under SHANTI — is the statutory regulator for nuclear and radiation safety.
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under the Prime Minister's Office, exercises administrative control over the nuclear establishment.
Nuclear power plants can only be set up in India after site characterisation, safety analysis, and regulatory clearance from AERB/NERA.

Connection to this news: The site selection for nuclear plants at thermal locations requires statutory AERB clearance under nuclear safety regulations; the proposed exclusion zone relaxation would need regulatory amendment.

Nuclear Power Plant Types in India

India operates two primary reactor types: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Light Water Reactors (LWRs). The PHWR design using natural uranium fuel and heavy water (D₂O) moderator is India's indigenous design, originally based on Canadian CANDU technology. India's three-stage nuclear programme — conceived by Homi J. Bhabha — aims for a closed fuel cycle using thorium.

Stage 1: PHWRs using natural uranium to produce plutonium.
Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium to breed U-233 from thorium.
Stage 3: Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) or thorium-based reactors using U-233.
India's installed nuclear capacity as of 2025-26: ~8.8 GWe across 24 operational reactors.
700 MWe PHWRs are India's current standard large commercial design (the 220 MWe is the older generation).
Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu) operates Russian VVER-1000 Light Water Reactors (joint project under India-Russia nuclear cooperation agreement).
Nuclear exclusion zone: typically 1–1.5 km radius for large reactors (exclusion from habitation); proposals for SMRs target 500m radius.

Connection to this news: The three shortlisted sites will likely host 700 MWe PHWRs, consistent with the fleet standardisation strategy for faster regulatory and construction timelines.

India's Nuclear Energy Expansion: 100 GWe by 2047

India has committed to expanding nuclear power as part of its net-zero and clean energy transition goals. The National Electricity Plan and India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement target non-fossil fuel electricity capacity of 500 GW by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2070. Nuclear energy is classified as a low-carbon baseload source in these plans.

India's 500 GW non-fossil target by 2030 includes renewable energy (solar, wind), hydro, and nuclear.
Nuclear power's share in India's electricity mix is currently about 3% of total generation.
Fleet mode construction (simultaneous construction of multiple identical reactors) has been approved to accelerate expansion.
NTPC (a public sector power major) is now also being allowed to participate in nuclear power (Bharat Small Reactors programme), enabled by the SHANTI Act.
Repurposing thermal power sites for nuclear plants leverages existing grid connections, water access, and land under a single owner (typically NTPC or state utilities).

Connection to this news: The thermal-to-nuclear site strategy reduces site acquisition costs and accelerates the timeline for adding nuclear capacity, directly supporting the 100 GWe by 2047 ambition.

Key Facts & Data

Total sites initially screened: 28 thermal power sites
Sites visited for field evaluation: 10
Sites shortlisted after visits: 6
Final shortlist: 3 sites
Evaluation checklist: 17 parameters (location, land, water, seismic risk, population, exclusion zone, grid)
Reactor types for shortlisted sites: 700 MWe PHWR (2 sites); 220 MWe PHWR (1 site)
India's current nuclear installed capacity: ~8.8 GWe (24 reactors)
Nuclear capacity target: 100 GWe by 2047
NPCIL establishment year: 1987
Atomic Energy Act: 1962 (No. 33 of 1962; enacted 15 September 1962)
SHANTI Act: enacted December 2025 (replaces the 1962 Act)
Standard exclusion zone for large nuclear plants: 1–1.5 km radius
Proposed exclusion zone for SMRs: 500 metres
DAE administrative control: under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
India's nuclear programme architect: Homi J. Bhabha (three-stage plan)