The Mahi Banswara plant will be an Indian 700 MWe PHWR, like units 7 and 8 at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project shown here
The AERB’s siting consent is the initial step in the licensing process for nuclear facilities, followed by construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning. This stage evaluates the site’s suitability, including engineering feasibility, site-facility interactions, and emergency preparedness. The review process involved geotechnical, hydrogeological, radiological impact, soil, and baseline environmental studies, along with mapping of surrounding areas. The AERB confirmed that the Mahi Banswara site meets regulatory requirements, subject to conditions such as obtaining environmental clearance from the relevant authority.
The MBRAPP is part of a broader initiative sanctioned by the Indian government to build ten PHWR units under a fleet approach. This includes Kaiga units 5 and 6 in Karnataka, Gorakhpur units 3 and 4 in Haryana, and Chutka units 1 and 2 in Madhya Pradesh. Two 700 MWe PHWR units at Kakrapar in Gujarat are already operational, while Rajasthan unit 7 was connected to the grid in March, and construction continues on Rajasthan unit 8.
The Mahi Banswara project is being developed by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (Ashvini), a joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), with NPCIL holding a 51% stake and NTPC a 49% stake. The joint venture, approved by the government last year, is tasked with constructing and operating nuclear power plants. In January, NPCIL signed an agreement to transfer the MBRAPP project to Ashvini. The AERB noted: “The siting consent ensures the project aligns with safety and environmental standards.”
Under Indian law, only NPCIL and Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited are authorized to own and operate nuclear power plants, but a 2016 amendment to the 1962 Atomic Energy Act allows public-sector joint ventures like Ashvini to participate in such projects. The initiative reflects India’s commitment to expanding its nuclear energy capacity.
