Mumbai, Nov 17 (NationPress) In a landmark development, the state-owned MahaGenco has joined forces with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) by signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at the co-development of a nuclear energy generation project in Maharashtra.

This marks Maharashtra's entry into the realm of nuclear energy production. The agreement was formalized in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Fadnavis highlighted that the primary goals of the MoU include enhancing non-fossil energy capacity, thus facilitating Maharashtra's shift towards cleaner, dependable, and large-scale nuclear power generation. Additionally, it aims to ensure the design, development, and commissioning of a nuclear plant that adheres to AERB and DAE guidelines while utilizing safe, sustainable, and economically viable technologies.

Moreover, the agreement aims to evaluate the establishment of a reactor assembly line to foster local manufacturing and promote technology self-reliance under the ‘Make in Maharashtra Initiative’.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the MoU will ensure effective policy, regulatory, and inter-departmental coordination through the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) and the state energy department.

“This initiative signifies a crucial step for Maharashtra towards achieving clean and sustainable energy. The Central government is increasingly encouraging states to engage in nuclear power generation. Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to be a part of this nuclear energy project,” remarked the Chief Minister.

Fadnavis emphasized that the involvement of states in nuclear power generation will be significantly enhanced.

He further pointed out that the nuclear energy sector had traditionally been the exclusive domain of the Central government.

“However, MAHAGENCO is now collaborating with NPCIL in this initiative for the first time. This MoU has been signed at a pivotal moment,” he stated.

He added that clean energy is vital for powering data centres, underscoring the significance of this agreement.

“Maharashtra is emerging as the 'Data Centre Capital' of India, with approximately 50-60 percent of the nation’s data centre capacity located here, and this is continuously on the rise,” he noted.