The
state-run company, which mainly runs coal-fired plants, is looking for partners
to help set up pressurized water reactor technology-based nuclear power plants
and also commit to a lifetime supply of nuclear fuel, the tender said.
The partner
should have clearance from concerned authorities in their country of origin as
well as comply with Indian policies, including having or getting a license for
the offered technology, NTPC said in the tender published last week.
The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 currently bars
private investments in nuclear power plants, while stringent liabilities under
the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 deter foreign firms such as GE
and Westinghouse. However, in early
February, India said it would amend its nuclear liability law to boost foreign
and private investments. Currently,
state-run Nuclear Power Corp of India is the sole operator of the country's
nearly 8 GW capacity, with the aim to increase to 20 GW by 2032. India is
aiming to hit at least 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
NTPC is looking to build 30 GW of capacity over the
next two decades at a cost of $62 billion, Reuters reported in February.