The government has identified 10 old or retired thermal power plants to be converted into nuclear power units as part of its long-term energy strategy. This move is aimed at achieving the target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, a significant rise from the current capacity of about 8.8 GW.

The preliminary shortlist includes sites across various states, and inspections are underway. The Wanakbori thermal power plant in Gujarat, housing seven units of 210 MW each, has already been visited by the site selection committee. "The list is raw and a first step in the process. The selection of nuclear plants is much more stringent than thermal, so the process will take time," a source explained. The selection process will consider seismic safety, water availability, and nearby habitation.

A government official noted the benefits of using existing infrastructure such as land, water, and transmission lines but emphasised the need to create exclusion zones with a minimum one km radius around nuclear plants. The Power Ministry is also evaluating small modular reactors for some locations. By 2032, India aims to first reach 22 GW nuclear capacity under the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision.