NTPC (Science & Technology)
NTPC (Science & Technology)
Why In News:
Global nuclear technology companies are increasingly approaching NTPC (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation) for nuclear technology partnerships as India scales up its civil nuclear programme.
This reflects India's growing attractiveness as a nuclear energy partner and NTPC's expanding role beyond thermal power.
India's Nuclear Energy Programme - Three-Stage Plan
Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator and coolant. Currently operational through NPCIL.
Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium extracted from Stage 1 spent fuel.
Stage 3: Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) running on thorium-uranium 233 cycle. India has one of the world's largest thorium reserves.
NTPC's Nuclear Expansion
NTPC's role: NTPC is being positioned as a vehicle for India's expansion into civil nuclear power beyond NPCIL. The government has allowed NTPC to set up nuclear plants in a joint venture with NPCIL.
Target: India aims for 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047 (Viksit Bharat vision) against approximately 8.88 GW currently.
Key Facts for Prelims
NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd): Wholly-owned Government of India enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Responsible for design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants.
The SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Act, 2025: Itis a landmark legislation that overhauls India's civil nuclear sector by replacing the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010. It enables private sector participation in building and operating nuclear plants in India.
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency): The UN body that promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy and implements safeguards. India is a member.
NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group): A 48-member group controlling nuclear trade. India is not yet a member (China opposes) but received a waiver in 2008 for civil nuclear trade.