Maharashtra first state to join Centre's nuclear-based power generation initiative: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai, Nov 17 (PTI) Maharashtra has became the first state in the country to join the Centre's nuclear-based power generation initiative, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday.

A Memorandum of Understanding in this regard was signed during the day by Maharashtra State Electricity Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) at the chief minister's official residence Varsha.

The MoU marks the first instance of a state-run power utility partnering with NPCIL for nuclear power generation, he said.

"Clean, reliable and uninterrupted power will be crucial for India's rapid economic growth, particularly as the country moves towards its 2047 development targets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a clean-energy-enabled and self-reliant power sector now includes greater participation of states in nuclear power generation. Maharashtra is the first to join this initiative," the CM said.

The chief minister noted that Maharashtra has emerged as India's "data centre capital", with nearly 50-60 per cent of the country's data centre capacity located in the state.

Data centres require continuous clean energy, and this partnership with NPCIL is an important step in that direction, Fadnavis added.

The MoU was signed by Mahagenco managing director Radhakrishnan B and NPCIL chairman-managing director BC Pathak in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Abha Shukla and Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) CEO Praveen Pardeshi.

An official said India currently operates 25 nuclear reactors at seven locations with a combined capacity of 8,880 MW, while eight more reactors are under construction.

"Another 10 reactors with a planned capacity of 7,000 MW are in the pipeline. The Centre has also earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for the development of small modular reactors. Nuclear energy is expected to play an important role in meeting India's rising electricity demand, supporting industrial growth and helping the country achieve its 2070 net-zero emissions target," the official said.

The technology's ability to provide round-the-clock power makes it a critical component of future baseload supply, he added.

Maharashtra's partnership with NPCIL is expected to support the state's long-term plans for reliable industrial power supply and clean-energy expansion, the release added. PTI MR BNM