Mumbai:- Maharashtra has become the first state in India to partner with the Central Government’s nuclear-based power generation initiative, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Maharashtra State Electricity Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) at the CM’s official residence, Varsha. This marks the first-ever collaboration between a state-run power utility and NPCIL for nuclear energy production.
Fadnavis emphasized that clean, reliable and uninterrupted energy will be essential for India’s rapid economic growth as the country works toward its 2047 development goals. He said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a clean-energy-driven and self-reliant power sector, with states now playing a greater role in nuclear power generation.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s growing energy demands, the Chief Minister noted that the state has become India’s “data centre capital”, hosting nearly 50–60% of the country’s data centre capacity. These facilities require continuous clean power, making the partnership with NPCIL crucial for long-term sustainability.
The MoU was signed by Mahagenco Managing Director Radhakrishnan B and NPCIL Chairman and Managing Director BC Pathak, in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Abha Shukla and Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) CEO Praveen Pardeshi.
According to officials, India currently operates 25 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 8,880 MW, while eight more reactors are under construction. Another 10 reactors with a proposed capacity of 7,000 MW are in the pipeline. The Centre has also allocated ₹20,000 crore for the development of small modular reactors.
Nuclear energy, which provides round-the-clock power, is expected to play a vital role in supporting India’s rising electricity demand, industrial growth and its 2070 net-zero emissions target.
Maharashtra’s collaboration with NPCIL is expected to significantly bolster the state’s clean-energy ambitions and ensure a stable power supply for future industrial expansion.
