NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to jointly develop nuclear power projects in India. The agreement was signed on May 25, 2026, as part of the country’s broader clean energy transition and long-term energy security plans. The partnership is also aligned with India’s vision of achieving “Viksit Bharat” and net-zero carbon emissions.

The MoU was signed by Venkatachalam, Director (Power) of NLCIL, and Rajesh, Director (Technical) of NPCIL in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including NLCIL CMD Prasanna Kumar Motupalli and NPCIL CMD Bhuwan Chandra Pathak. Under the agreement, both companies will form a Joint Venture (JV) company for the development of 700 MW Indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) based nuclear power projects. The partnership may also explore other advanced reactor technologies based on mutual agreement.

Apart from developing new projects, the proposed JV will also look at investment opportunities in NPCIL’s ongoing and upcoming 700 MW PHWR projects. The move is considered important as India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. The target is expected to support the country’s rising power demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

The development comes after the introduction of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill in December 2025. The bill focuses on modernising the legal and policy framework of the nuclear energy sector and encouraging future investments and collaborations.

NLC India Limited, a Navratna public sector company under the Ministry of Coal, has nearly 70 years of experience in mining and power generation. In recent years, the company has been expanding its renewable and green energy portfolio with investments in solar, wind, battery energy storage systems, pumped hydro storage, green hydrogen, and waste-to-energy projects.

NPCIL, under the Department of Atomic Energy, is India’s leading nuclear power company responsible for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants across the country. The company plays a major role in providing safe and reliable nuclear energy.

Speaking on the occasion, NLCIL CMD Prasanna Kumar Motupalli said the partnership marks an important step in the company’s diversification into sustainable energy sectors. He added that nuclear energy will play a key role in ensuring reliable base-load power and supporting India’s long-term climate and energy goals.

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