Bhubaneswar: The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is conducting feasibility studies at two locations in Odisha’s Deogarh and Nabarangpur districts for a proposed nuclear power project, senior state govt officials said on Tuesday. Additional chief secretary (energy) Vishal Kumar Dev said NTPC had initially identified four potential sites, but two were found unsuitable during preliminary assessments. “They had applied for four sites. Out of these, two sites have not been found feasible. Studies are now being carried out in Deogarh and Nabarangpur districts,” Dev said.He was responding to media queries in the presence of Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati during an event marking Lok Bhavan’s achievement of IGBC Platinum Green Campus certification. Speaking on the prospects of nuclear energy, Governor said, “It could emerge as an important and economical source of power in the future, provided all safety measures are strictly followed.” Dev said NTPC, in partnership with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), has proposed setting up a 3,200 MW nuclear power plant in Odisha. An NTPC official said feasibility studies are underway and initial assessments appear encouraging.The energy secretary stressed that public safety and environmental safeguards would remain paramount in evaluating any nuclear power proposal. “There will be no compromise on safety and security aspects,” he said, adding that the state is exploring cleaner energy sources to meet its growing power requirements while pursuing long-term sustainability goals.Tata Group and Adani Group have approached Odisha govt with proposals to set up nuclear power projects in the state, signalling growing private-sector interest in India’s expanding nuclear energy sector. It may be mentioned here that Adani Group has proposed two nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 6,000 MW as part of a broader clean-energy investment plan of around ₹1.5 lakh crore in Odisha. The proposal also includes pumped storage and floating solar projects aimed at strengthening long-term energy security.Tata Group has separately proposed setting up four nuclear power units of 200 MW each in Malkangiri district. Officials said details of the investment size are yet to be disclosed. Odisha’s Vision 2036 and 2047 roadmap identifies Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a promising technology for the future, with the long-term goal of positioning Odisha as a major energy hub.
