Maharashtra Signs MoUs for 25,400 MW Nuclear Projects

Maharashtra signed Memorandums of Understanding with four companies on 19 May 2026 for nuclear energy generation projects with a combined capacity of 25,400 MW. The agreements were announced at Mantralaya in Mumbai and involve NTPC Limited, Adani Power Limited, Reliance Industries Limited, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited.

Nuclear Power in India

Nuclear power is electricity generated from nuclear fission, usually through uranium-based reactors. India operates nuclear power plants under the Department of Atomic Energy and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, which is the main public sector operator of nuclear power stations in the country.

Project Capacity and Investment

The proposed projects in Maharashtra are linked to an estimated investment of nearly Rs 6.5 lakh crore. Adani Power Limited plans a 6,000 MW plant at Barsu in Ratnagiri with an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Reliance Industries Limited plans Rs 2 lakh crore for Bharat Small Reactors or Small Modular Reactors at Purnagadh in Ratnagiri with 7,200 MW capacity. NTPC Limited plans Rs 1 lakh crore for 7,200 MW, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited plans Rs 2 lakh crore for 5,000 MW.

Employment and Industrial Terms

The projects are projected to create around 1.23 lakh jobs across Maharashtra. Adani Power Limited expects about 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, NTPC Limited expects around 5,000 jobs, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited expects about 3,000 jobs. Small Modular Reactors are compact nuclear reactors designed for lower unit capacity and modular construction.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mantralaya is the administrative headquarters of the Government of Maharashtra in Mumbai.
• Ratnagiri is a coastal district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
• Small Modular Reactors are also called SMRs in energy policy and nuclear technology discussions.
• India’s nuclear energy sector is regulated through institutions under the Department of Atomic Energy.

Policy Context

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis linked the agreements with India’s energy and carbon goals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used the phrase “energy-rich nation” in the context of expanding India’s power capacity and cleaner energy sources.