Bhubaneswar: Odisha is taking a major step toward reshaping its energy landscape. The state government has begun discussions with NTPC Ltd and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to explore the possibility of setting up nuclear power plants in the state. This move signals Odisha’s intent to build a strong foundation of clean, reliable, and long-term energy sources.
According to Energy Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, the idea of forming a joint venture with NTPC and NPCIL is currently being examined. The objective is to secure a stable base-load power supply for the future, especially at a time when energy demand is rising sharply across the country. Nuclear power, being clean and efficient, is increasingly seen as an essential component in the energy mix.
Odisha’s potential in nuclear energy is further strengthened by its significant thorium reserves. Thorium is expected to play a crucial role in India’s Stage-II nuclear programme, making Odisha strategically important in the country’s long-term nuclear roadmap. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted this during the curtain raiser of the upcoming Global Energy Leaders’ Summit, stressing that the state holds a major opportunity in India’s future energy plans.
The proposal also aligns with India’s broader shift towards cleaner energy sources that ensure both sustainability and stability. While renewable energy continues to grow, nuclear power offers the steady and uninterrupted supply that renewable sources alone cannot guarantee.
Discussions are still in early stages, and the government has acknowledged that any nuclear project will require extensive safety measures, public trust, and clear communication with local communities.
If this initiative moves forward, Odisha could soon become an important hub for nuclear energy, attracting investments, creating skilled jobs, and contributing significantly to India’s national energy security.
-OdishaAge
