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India Identifies 10 Retired Thermal Plants for Potential Nuclear Repurposing

In a significant step toward achieving its target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, the Indian government has identified 10 old or retired thermal power plants for potential conversion into nuclear power sites. This preliminary list will be subject to final approval following inspections by a site selection committee from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

Among the shortlisted sites is the Wanakbori thermal power plant in Gujarat, which houses seven 230 MW units. The selection criteria will focus on factors such as seismicity, water availability, and proximity to human habitation. Final decisions will also consider regulatory requirements like maintaining exclusion zones with at least a 1 km radius around nuclear plants.

The move is aligned with India’s long-term decarbonization and energy security goals under the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision. Repurposing thermal sites is seen as advantageous due to the availability of essential infrastructure like land, water, and transmission lines. The government is also exploring multiple nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to diversify its nuclear power generation portfolio.

Currently, India has an operational nuclear capacity of around 8.8 GW and aims to reach 22 GW by 2032, paving the way for its 100 GW target by mid-century.