JSW Energy to Set Up Its First Nuclear Power Plant by 2030

JSW Energy is entering a new era with plans to build its first nuclear power plant by 2030, marking a major shift from its existing thermal and renewable projects, company officials said at India Energy Week in Goa. The project will enhance the energy mix of India and will assist in supporting the increasing demand of the reliable low-carbon electricity.

The company is researching various technologies in reactors, such as seven hundred megawatt pressurised heavy water reactor, and other larger reactors of 1,000 megawatts, with a view of expanding to small modular reactors (SMRs) in the future.

Executives explained that the ultimate choice regarding the technology and plant structure will be achieved only when JSW Energy is sure that it will be able to meet the time schedule and maintain costs within acceptable levels.

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A source revealed that JSW will be constructing a pilot station prior to full construction beginning to learn the dynamics of nuclear operations and technology. The pilot-test will be able to give essential information on safety systems and construction logistics that will assist in mitigating the risks as the scale up to a full-size plant is reached.

Selection of the location is being undertaken, with the various sites being considered, but the sites have not been declared. Project costs estimated by the company to be 16 20 crore per megawatt based on technology and scale will determine the size of the overall investment.

Neeraj Agarwal, the president of nuclear energy at JSW Energy, emphasized that land purchase and selection of technology would have to be finalized prior to the construction process and timing control is one of the critical issues.

This action puts JSW Energy in a position to tap into the growing nuclear power industry in India, and consistent with the national objectives of adding more clean energy production and less reliance on fossil fuels.