The Indian government has approved the formation of Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam (ASHVINI), a joint venture (JV) between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), to lead nuclear power generation in the country.
ASHVINI will be responsible for constructing, owning, and operating nuclear power plants in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act. NPCIL will hold a 51% stake in the JV, while NTPC will hold the remaining 49%.
As part of this initiative, the government has approved the transfer of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) from NPCIL to ASHVINI. MBRAPP will feature a capacity of 4 x 700 MW, utilizing indigenous pressurized heavy water reactor technology.
The government has also granted an exemption allowing NPCIL and NTPC to invest over Rs 50 billion ($597 million) each in the joint venture or through subsidiary companies. These investment exemptions aim to support funding for the expansion of India’s nuclear power capacity.
In addition to developing MBRAPP, ASHVINI will explore other nuclear power projects across India. This strategy seeks to combine the resources of NPCIL and NTPC, leveraging financial capital, technological expertise, and project management capabilities to enhance the nation’s nuclear power output.
The Department of Atomic Energy has officially communicated the government’s approval to the chairmen and managing directors of NPCIL and NTPC.
In May 2023, NPCIL and NTPC signed a supplementary JV agreement to collaborate on the development of nuclear power facilities, including the Chutka atomic power project in Madhya Pradesh (2 x 700 MW) and the Mahi Banswara project in Rajasthan (4 x 700 MW). They also plan to establish two pressurized heavy-water reactor facilities, which are vital for fleet-mode nuclear projects.