Maharashtra Signs ₹6.5 Lakh Crore Nuclear Energy Deals With Reliance, NTPC, Adani, And Bajaj Group

Reliance Industries, NTPC, Adani Power, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company (part of the Bajaj Group) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government to develop nuclear power capacity in the state.

The agreements, inked at Mantralaya on Tuesday, cover a combined investment of ₹6.5 lakh crore and are expected to add 25,400 MW of power generation capacity while creating over 1.23 lakh jobs.

Who Is Investing How Much

Reliance Industries has committed the largest share, with a planned investment of ₹2 lakh crore to develop 7,200 MW of nuclear capacity. The company expects the projects to generate over one lakh jobs.

Lalitpur Power Generation Company has matched that commitment with another ₹2 lakh crore earmarked for 5,000 MW of capacity, expected to create around 3,000 jobs.

Adani Power has announced an investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore for 6,000 MW of nuclear power projects, which will create an estimated 12,000 direct and indirect jobs. NTPC will invest ₹1 lakh crore to set up 7,200 MW of capacity, which is expected to support around 5,000 jobs.

What Is Driving The Push

The rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and data centres is a key factor behind Maharashtra’s aggressive push into nuclear energy. These sectors are expected to drive power consumption in the state significantly higher over the coming years. Globally, industry leaders and hyperscalers have been turning to nuclear power for its ability to deliver stable, round-the-clock clean energy without carbon emissions.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the investments align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader goal of making India an energy-rich nation and achieving zero carbon emissions.

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Thorium Plants Also In The Works

Beyond these four MoUs, Maharashtra is also in advanced talks with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and the Department of Atomic Energy to set up thorium-based nuclear power plants. The plan aims to replace old thermal power plants that are less efficient with cleaner power options.

As part of this move, two projects are under discussion. One includes a 1,540 MW thorium-based plant. The other involves two separate 220 MW plants.

Talks are still underway. But the discussions point to a long-term change in the state’s energy plans.

Sources:

The Economic Times

The Hindu Business Line