New Delhi — In a major push to involve the private sector in India’s clean energy transition, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has extended the deadline for its Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) tender. The new deadline is September 30, 2025, replacing the earlier cut-off of June 30. The move follows requests from industry stakeholders seeking more time to prepare comprehensive bids.
Twin 220 MWe PHWRs Open for Captive-Use Partnership
The tender invites industrial partners to co-develop twin 220 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). These reactors will be owned and operated by NPCIL. However, the private partner—referred to as the “USER”—will get access to the net power output for captive use. This means the partner can use the electricity for its own operational needs, excluding the auxiliary consumption.
Industry to Fund Entire Project Life Cycle
Under the project model, the USER is responsible for financing the entire development, including capital investment and operating costs. NPCIL will be reimbursed for its contribution. In return, the USER will secure long-term access to the electricity generated. This setup offers an incentive for private firms to participate while ensuring public ownership and operational oversight.
Minimum Net Worth & Power Demand Criteria Set
To be eligible, bidders must have:
- A minimum net worth of ₹3,000 crore
- A power requirement of at least 2,500 million units per year
The project may also be classified as a Captive Generating Plant (CGP) under the amended Electricity Rules, giving it regulatory support and flexibility.
Clean Energy Goals Driving Nuclear Push
The BSR project is part of India’s broader goal to increase nuclear power capacity from 9 GW today to 100 GW by 2047. It aligns with the Nuclear Energy Mission, which allocates ₹20,000 crore annually to accelerate nuclear energy development. Upcoming changes to India’s nuclear liability law are also expected to attract more private and international interest in this sector.
Bid Extension Reflects Growing Industry Momentum
According to NPCIL, several major industrial players have already signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and begun evaluating the project. The extension offers them more time to structure bids and align internal strategies with the project’s long-term goals.
About NPCIL and the Bharat Small Reactor Initiative
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is a government-owned enterprise managing the generation of nuclear power across the country. It currently operates 25 reactors. The Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) program is India’s first nuclear initiative inviting private partners to co-develop reactors for captive use. While NPCIL retains ownership, the industrial partner invests and receives electricity from the project.
