Odisha Initiates Talks with NTPC, NPCIL to Establish Nuclear Power Plants

Odisha is taking decisive steps to strengthen its long-term energy roadmap, initiating formal discussions with NTPC and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) for setting up nuclear power plants in the state. The move signals Odisha’s ambition to diversify its energy basket while advancing clean, reliable and sustainable power generation.

Senior state officials confirmed that negotiations are progressing for potential joint ventures with both entities. The proposed nuclear projects could leverage Odisha’s rich resource base, particularly its substantial thorium reserves—an important asset for India’s second-stage nuclear energy programme. Officials emphasised that any nuclear installations would strictly adhere to safety, environmental and regulatory norms.

Alongside nuclear energy, Odisha is pursuing an aggressive renewable expansion strategy, targeting nearly 11 GW of green capacity by 2030. Various studies indicate that the state has the potential to generate around 33 GW from pumped-storage projects and over 50 GW from solar energy, making it one of eastern India’s most resource-rich renewable zones. Scalable solutions such as pumped hydro, floating solar and hybrid systems are expected to play a key role in shaping Odisha’s future energy mix.

The state is simultaneously accelerating its green hydrogen mission, establishing two major hydrogen hubs—one at Paradip and another at Gopalpur—with a combined investment pipeline of approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore. The first green hydrogen unit is expected to be commissioned by early 2028. These hubs will act as anchors for clean industrial growth, supporting the decarbonisation of steel, chemicals and other energy-intensive sectors while creating new employment and innovation opportunities.

Energy leaders highlight that Odisha’s natural resource advantages, policy readiness and investment-friendly ecosystem position it to become a major contributor to India’s energy transition. With nuclear collaborations under discussion, renewable capacity rapidly expanding and green hydrogen infrastructure advancing, Odisha aims to emerge as a national model for integrated, future-ready clean-energy development.

As talks with NTPC and NPCIL progress, Odisha’s evolving energy blueprint reflects a balanced and forward-looking strategy—one that blends technological advancement with sustainability and long-term economic resilience, positioning the state at the forefront of India’s clean-energy future.