NTPC invites global bidders for 15 GW nuclear project; Holtec cleared for India partnership

India's leading power generation company NTPC has floated a tender inviting global partners to build nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of around 15 gigawatts.

In the tender, the state-owned firm sought partners to establish nuclear power plants using pressurised water reactor (PWR) technology and also commit to a lifetime supply of nuclear fuel, reported Reuters.

NTPC specified that bidders must possess clearance from their home country authorities and comply with Indian regulations, including securing a license for the proposed technology.

Currently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) operates the nation's 8 GW nuclear capacity, with a target to reach 20 GW by 2032 and an ambitious goal of 100 GW by 2047.

India-US civil nuclear deal

India's nuclear sector has long been governed by the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, which prohibits private investment in nuclear power plants.

However, in February, the government announced plans to amend India's nuclear liability law as well as the Atomic Energy Act as certain clauses have emerged as hurdles in the implementation of the civil nuclear deal.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, the two countries issued a joint statement on renewed nuclear cooperation to “fully realise” the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement.

"The leaders announced their commitment to fully realise the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement by moving forward with plans to work together to build US-designed nuclear reactors in India through large-scale localisation and possible technology transfer," according to a joint India-US statement.

Holtec gets US nod

The NTPC tender also follows a recent regulatory milestone in the US, where the Department of Energy (DoE) authorised Holtec International, an American firm, to transfer small modular reactor (SMR) technology to India.

Holtec, promoted by Indian-American Kris P Singh, received approval on March 26, 2025, to collaborate with three Indian private entities—its regional subsidiary Holtec Asia, Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd (TCE), and Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T)—under strict conditions.

The authorisation, valid for 10 years with five-year reviews, requires adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and prohibits the use of the technology for military purposes or nuclear weapons.

Holtec may, in due course, request to amend this authorisation to add NPCIL, NTPC, and AERB as authorised end users, according to the report.