Gandhinagar: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 1, 2026, to explore and identify suitable sites in Gujarat for setting up new Nuclear Power Projects (NPPs).
The MoU was signed in the presence of Rushikesh Patel, Minister of Energy & Petrochemicals, Panchayat & Rural Housing, and Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Gujarat.
The collaboration is aimed at assessing Gujarat’s potential for future nuclear power development and supporting India’s broader efforts to expand reliable, clean and low-carbon electricity generation. The proposed project is expected to have a capacity of around 4,000 MW and could involve an investment of nearly ₹1 lakh crore.
Key Officials Present at MoU Signing
The MoU was signed in the presence of senior officials from the Government of Gujarat, NPCIL and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Key officials present included:
- Ashwini Kumar, Principal Secretary, Energy & Petrochemicals Department, Government of Gujarat, and Chairman, GSECL
- V. Rajesh, Chairman and Managing Director, NPCIL
- P.S. Karthigeyan, Joint Secretary (Power & ER), Department of Atomic Energy
- Senior officials from NPCIL and GSECL
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GSECL-NPCIL MoU for 4,000 MW Nuclear Power Project
The MoU was signed in the presence of Gujarat Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, Principal Secretary of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department and GSECL Chairman Ashwini Kumar, and NPCIL Chairman and Managing Director V. Rajesh.
According to the state government, the proposed Dhuvaran nuclear project could:
- Add around 4,000 MW to Gujarat’s power generation capacity.
- Strengthen the state’s long-term energy security.
- Support employment opportunities and industrial development.
- Increase the availability of reliable, low-carbon electricity.
- Complement Gujarat’s growing solar and wind power capacity.
The proposed nuclear capacity is being considered as part of a diversified power mix, with nuclear generation expected to provide a continuous source of electricity alongside weather-dependent renewable generation.
Gujarat’s Potential in India’s Nuclear Energy Programme
The NPCIL-GSECL partnership marks a step towards exploring Gujarat’s potential contribution to India’s expanding nuclear energy programme. Nuclear power is expected to have an important role in India’s long-term energy strategy by providing reliable electricity while supporting the transition towards lower-carbon energy sources.
The identification and technical assessment of suitable sites is an important preliminary step before any future nuclear power project can be considered for development.
Nuclear Power and India’s Energy Security
As India works towards building a stronger and more sustainable energy system, nuclear power is expected to contribute to the country’s energy security.
The collaboration between NPCIL and GSECL reflects a focus on:
- Strengthening long-term energy security
- Supporting reliable electricity generation
- Promoting sustainable and low-carbon power
- Exploring Gujarat’s role in nuclear energy development
- Contributing to India’s clean energy transition
The initiative also aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat and India’s national objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
NPCIL-GSECL Partnership and Net-Zero Goal
The MoU comes as India continues to explore multiple pathways to meet its growing electricity requirements while reducing the carbon intensity of its energy system. By examining potential sites for new nuclear power projects, NPCIL and GSECL will work towards assessing opportunities for nuclear generation in Gujarat.
The initiative is intended to support India’s long-term goals related to energy security, sustainability and the transition towards cleaner electricity.
NPCIL-GSECL MoU: Key Objectives
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between NPCIL and GSECL to examine the feasibility of new nuclear power projects in Gujarat.
The key areas of cooperation include:
- Sharing of relevant information between the two organisations
- Identification of potential sites suitable for nuclear power projects in Gujarat
- Assessment of the technical suitability of identified sites for nuclear power development
The process will help evaluate potential locations and determine their suitability for future nuclear power generation.
About NPCIL
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is a Government of India public sector enterprise under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). NPCIL is responsible for the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of nuclear power reactors in India and plays a key role in the country’s nuclear power generation programme.
About GSECL
Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) is a state-owned power generation company of Gujarat. It is engaged in electricity generation through thermal, renewable and other power projects and operates under the Government of Gujarat.
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