NTPC aims for 30 GW nuclear capacity by 2047: Water, land, seismic safety and other factors that matter in site selection

NTPC plans to start feasibility studies in a number of Indian states for proposed nuclear power projects as part of its efforts to expand non-fossil fuel power generation to at least 2 GW by 2032, PTI reported, citing a senior official.

As part of its energy diversification strategy, NTPC is targeting to set up 30 GW nuclear projects in the country to contribute to the government’s ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, according to PTI.

A senior official told a news agency that studies have been done in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha and will start looking for other locations in other states.

Banka in Bihar, Basai in Madhya Pradesh and Nabarangpur in Odisha, the official said, adding, “More states will be explored as the vision is 30 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. Of course, Uttar Pradesh is on our list along with other states. We will do feasibility studies soon.”

He also disclosed that the company’s plan is to create an average project of 1,400 MW with two units of 700 MW each.

For the state administration, the key question is whether it can offer a technically suitable, ecologically acceptable and socially feasible location.

Here are the key factors NTPC will look into:

1. Permanent availability of cooling water

A ready and uninterrupted supply of water is one of the biggest deciding factors, as conventional nuclear reactors need large and reliable water supplies for cooling and heat removal.

Therefore, sites must be near permanent rivers or reservoirs, or have access to coastal seawater. It should also be ensured that water remains available during the dry and summer months. Competing demands for drinking water, irrigation and other industrial needs must be identified.

2. Land availability, population density

NTPC needs to look for a large enough contiguous site with clear ownership that will also be able to accommodate the plant and its safety related areas.

Adequate land must be available for the reactor blocks, auxiliaries and cooling infrastructure. The population density around the site should be relatively low. The potential project should result in limited displacement of villages, houses or agricultural land.

3. Environmental Impact and Regulatory Permits

The assessment will also consider the potential environmental impact of the project on forests, natural habitats, wetlands, groundwater, air and water quality. The ecological effects of thermal discharges must also be taken into account.

4. Religible transport routes, building infrastructure

Equipment such as reactor vessels, steam generators, turbines and other heavy components require reliable transport routes. NTPC will examine the location’s access to railways, highways, possibly ports, construction materials, skilled manpower, accommodation and supporting industrial infrastructure. Sites in extremely remote locations may face higher construction costs and longer project schedules.

5. Geology, earthquakes and natural hazards

A nuclear power plant needs a detailed investigation of the soil under and around the proposed site.

According to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) code requirement, there should be no active fault within 5 km of the proposed NPP site.

These are some of the most important factors that NTPC will study to assess whether a site is suitable for a nuclear power plant. Some other factors include land and infrastructure costs, construction schedules, financing, grid connectivity and electricity demand, among others.