Adani Group Explores Entry into Nuclear Power with SMR Plans

By siliconindia  |  Friday, 19 December 2025, 06:46:58 PM IST

Adani Group Explores Entry into Nuclear Power with SMR Plans
  • Adani Group is in talks to build small modular nuclear reactors in Uttar Pradesh
  • The project could add about 1,600 MW to Adani’s clean energy portfolio
  • India has opened the nuclear sector to private players to boost investments

The Adani Group is preparing to enter India’s nuclear energy space as the government opens the sector to private companies. According to people familiar with the matter, the conglomerate is in discussions with the Uttar Pradesh government to develop a commercial nuclear power project, marking a major step in its clean energy expansion plans.

The proposal involves setting up eight small modular reactors (SMRs), each with a capacity of 200 megawatts, which would together generate around 1,600 MW of nuclear power. Talks are still at an early stage, and the state government has not yet finalized a suitable riverside location, which is essential to ensure a reliable water supply for reactor operations.

This potential move aligns with the Adani Group’s broader strategy to diversify its renewable and low-carbon energy portfolio. It also comes at a time when India is working to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while meeting rising electricity demand driven by data centers, digital infrastructure, and AI-led growth.

The timing is significant. Parliament recently approved reforms allowing private firms to enter the nuclear power sector, which was tightly regulated for decades. The policy shift is expected to unlock investment opportunities worth nearly $214 billion. As part of this push, the central government announced a Nuclear Energy Mission in the Union Budget, committing Rs 20,000 crore toward research and development of small modular reactors.

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Other large Indian groups, including Tata Group and JSW Group, are also exploring opportunities in nuclear energy, signaling growing industry interest in the newly opened sector. SMRs, in particular, are seen as a scalable and safer option compared to traditional large nuclear plants.

While the Adani Group and the Uttar Pradesh government have not issued official comments yet, the discussions highlight how major conglomerates are positioning themselves early in India’s evolving nuclear landscape. If finalized, the project could play a key role in strengthening India’s long-term clean energy mix.

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