NTPC Plans Investment of Rs 25,000 Crore in Two New Nuclear Power Plants Across 1,000 Acres in Bihar
This development could substantially enhance the state’s electricity generation capacity while creating fresh employment and industrial opportunities
State-owned NTPC Limited is planning to set up two new nuclear power units in Bihar’s Banka district with an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 crore, marking a major step in the company’s energy diversification strategy. The proposed project will comprise two units of 700 MW each and is currently under feasibility study.
This development could substantially enhance the state’s electricity generation capacity while creating fresh employment and industrial opportunities.
NTPC has selected Banka district in Bihar for this ambitious mega project. Located around 250 kilometres from Patna, the district is being considered for installation of two nuclear power units of 700 MW capacity each, taking the total proposed generation capacity to 1,400 MW.
The total investment in the project is estimated at nearly Rs 25,000 crore. Preliminary assessments indicate that around 1,000 acres of land will be required for the development of the two units. Industry estimates suggest that setting up a 1 GW nuclear power plant generally requires an investment of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore, depending on technology, civil infrastructure and safety systems.
According to sources, NTPC officials are presently conducting a feasibility study for the proposed nuclear units. Once this study is completed, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared. The Bihar government has reportedly extended full support to the initiative and has assured assistance in ensuring water availability and other key infrastructure requirements for the plant.
The Banka nuclear project forms an important part of the Government of India’s long-term clean energy roadmap. India has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, while NTPC Limited itself is planning to develop nearly 30 GW of company-owned nuclear capacity across multiple locations in the country. The company is also targeting at least 2 GW of nuclear power generation by 2032 as part of its immediate expansion strategy.
