New direction in energy sector: Adani Group plans to enter nuclear energy
Adani Group, which is run by business tycoon Gautam Adani, is now preparing to enter the nuclear energy sector. This step is being taken at a time when the government is focusing on diversifying energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Talks ongoing with Uttar Pradesh government: Search for suitable location for plant
However, the Uttar Pradesh government has so far failed to find a suitable location for the Adani Group plant. This is necessary to ensure that a continuous water supply can be available to the reactor. Adani Group has started talks with UP government officials on the issue, while several other big Indian groups are also planning to enter this emerging sector.
Project based on public-private partnership model
The project will be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) will operate the plant proposed by Adani Group. Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) is now working on the design and development of the 200 MW small modular reactors (SMRs) that the Adani Group plans to set up. After government approval, the project may take about five to six years to complete.
Possibility of increasing investment in nuclear sector
Recently, Parliament has approved opening up the nuclear industry to private companies. There are currently about two dozen nuclear power plants operating in India, which contribute about 3 percent to the country’s total energy production. The plan is to implement projects in different phases to increase their capacity from the present 8780 MW to 13600 MW. Entry of private companies is being allowed to promote more investment and job creation in this sector.
This new initiative by Adani Group, along with its expansion in the nuclear energy sector, will be an important step towards strengthening India’s energy security.
