Maharashtra government is in advanced discussions to establish India’s first thorium-based power plants, marking a significant step in the state’s clean energy transition.

The state government is collaborating with the Department of Atomic Energy and Nuclear Power Corporation of India to develop two thorium-fuelled nuclear units. The plants will be located on land owned by the state’s power utility, with one unit having a capacity of 1,540 megawatts and the other 440 MW. These plants aim to replace two ageing thermal power stations, supporting Maharashtra’s strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependence and ensure reliable baseload power.

Thorium is considered a safer and more sustainable alternative to uranium, with a lower risk of meltdown. India holds vast thorium reserves, making it a prime candidate for this technology. The proposed plants are expected to generate electricity at Rs 3.50 per unit, lower than thermal power, though initial investment costs will be higher.