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India's NTPC is in talks with foreign firms about small reactors

A top executive at NTPC, India's largest power producer, said that the company is in discussions with foreign companies including those from Russia or the U.S. about building small nuclear reactors.

The country has decided to build large nuclear reactors, but is now looking at smaller modular reactors that can be scaled to meet demand.

Private investments in the sector.

Prasenjit Pa, Executive Director and Head of Nuclear Wing at NTPC, said: "We've spoken to a Russian firm that operates a small modular reactor. Other firms, such as U.S. Holtec International Corp, have also approached us."

Pal has not identified the Russian company or other U.S. firms, and Holtec has not responded to our request for comment.

Pal stated that NTPC had sought permission from the government to proceed with discussions. However, he added that only China and Russia have SMR systems in operation.

Pal stated that the company would begin construction on its first nuclear project of 2.8 gigawatts at Mahi Bhaswara, in the desert Rajasthan within 3-5 months.

India currently has around 8 GW nuclear capacity. It aims to increase it to 20 GW in 2032, and to at least 100 GW in 2047. This will reduce its carbon footprint.

Sama Bilbao y Leon said on the sidelines the India Energy Week that a change in Indian law to open the much-guarded sector of nuclear energy will boost private investment.

India's strict liability laws for compensating victims of nuclear accidents have hindered the implementation of India's nuclear agreement with the U.S. and, with it, the participation of U.S. manufacturers of power plants such as General Electric or Westinghouse. (Additional reporting and editing by Sethuraman N; Leroy Leo).

(source: Reuters)