NTPC has awarded Accenture Solutions the contract to conduct feasibility studies for installing small modular reactors (SMRs) at decommissioned thermal power stations.

This move supports India’s ambition to achieve 100 GW nuclear energy capacity under its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, while making efficient use of existing infrastructure like land, water, and transmission lines. Accenture emerged as the lowest bidder among seven to eight consulting firms that responded to NTPC’s expression of interest in April. Other shortlisted firms included Deloitte Touche, Ernst & Young, McKinsey, Bain & Company, KPMG Advisory, and Tata Consulting Engineers.

The government has already identified 10 locations where thermal power plants could be repurposed for nuclear energy. NTPC aims to contribute 30 GW to this national target. A government official noted that one key consideration in the transition is establishing exclusion zones—at least a km radius around the reactors where public habitation is prohibited. This effort aligns with broader plans to amend nuclear energy and liability laws to increase private sector participation.