Powering India's Future: NTPC Explores SMRs with Accenture

NTPC has awarded a key contract to Accenture Solutions to assess the feasibility of deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) at decommissioned thermal power stations—a move that aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Accenture was selected as the lowest bidder from a competitive pool of top-tier consulting firms, including Deloitte, EY, McKinsey, Bain & Company, KPMG Advisory, and Tata Consulting Engineers. The contract follows NTPC’s expression of interest floated in April.

By exploring SMRs at old thermal sites, NTPC seeks to maximise existing assets like land, water, and transmission infrastructure while transitioning to cleaner energy. The government has already shortlisted 10 such locations, and NTPC plans to contribute 30 GW to the national nuclear goal.

A critical part of the transition includes defining exclusion zones—typically a 1-km radius around each reactor—where public access is restricted. The initiative also complements ongoing policy reforms aimed at enabling greater private sector involvement in nuclear energy through changes in liability and regulatory frameworks.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.