Naveen Jindal Group Explores Over 9 States for Proposed 18 GW Nuclear Ventures to Support India’s 2047 Energy Goals

New Delhi: Naveen Jindal Group has begun exploring potential locations across more than nine states for its proposed 18-gigawatt (GW) nuclear power projects, marking a significant step in its expansion into India’s nuclear energy sector. The proposed investment is expected to run into several lakh crore rupees and is aimed at supporting the country’s goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

The move comes as the diversified conglomerate looks to strengthen its presence in the energy sector beyond steel, mining, power, renewable energy and real estate. For this purpose, the group has incorporated Jindal Nuclear Power Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jindal Renewables.

Naveen Jindal Group entering the nuclear power sector

The company’s proposed nuclear projects are part of its broader strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and contribute to India’s clean energy transition. As electricity demand continues to rise and the country seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, nuclear energy is expected to play a larger role in the nation’s long-term energy mix.

By planning an 18 GW nuclear portfolio, the Naveen Jindal Group is positioning itself among the private sector players looking to participate in India’s expanding nuclear power programme.

Which states are being considered for the proposed projects?

According to an official familiar with the development, the company is currently evaluating potential sites in more than nine states and is holding discussions with several state governments. While the final locations have not been decided, the states under consideration include Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

Official, who did not wish to be named, said the discussions are ongoing and site evaluations are progressing across multiple regions.

Company is primarily focusing on coastal states because nuclear power plants require a reliable and abundant supply of water for cooling and plant operations. However, inland states are also being considered where sufficient water resources can be ensured through rivers, reservoirs or other large water bodies.

Official said water availability remains one of the most important factors while identifying suitable project locations.

The selection process is being carried out on the basis of several technical and regulatory parameters. The company is assessing land availability, water resources, geological and seismic conditions, power transmission infrastructure, regulatory readiness and the long-term viability of each proposed site before taking a final decision.

These assessments are expected to play a key role in determining where the nuclear plants will eventually be established.

Proposed projects are expected to use large module reactors with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW) and above. These reactors are intended to form the foundation of the company’s planned 18 GW nuclear capacity and align with India’s focus on expanding large-scale nuclear power generation.

How much investment will the projects require?

According to industry estimates cited by the official, setting up one gigawatt of nuclear power capacity requires an investment of around ₹15,000 crore to ₹20,000 crore. Based on these estimates, the proposed 18 GW portfolio could involve investments worth several lakh crore rupees.

The official also said that a nuclear power project typically takes around three years from conception to commissioning, although the timeline may vary depending on approvals and project execution.

Naveen Jindal Group is in discussions with several international companies to explore advanced nuclear technologies and potential partnerships for the proposed projects. These discussions are expected to help the company access global expertise and technology as it prepares to enter the nuclear power sector.

With site evaluations underway and discussions continuing with state governments and international partners, the proposed projects remain at an early stage. If implemented, they could become a significant contribution to India’s ambition of expanding its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047.