India and France have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the power sector, with discussions focusing on nuclear power, localization of the nuclear supply chain and pumped hydro storage projects.
Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, met Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF, France, in New Delhi to review ongoing cooperation between India and EDF on the proposed deployment of European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) technology in India. Officials from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of External Affairs, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), NTPC and NPCIL participated in the meeting, along with representatives from EDF and the Embassy of France in India.
The discussions covered the deployment of EPR technology, India’s regulatory reforms for the nuclear sector, development of a domestic nuclear supply chain and cooperation in pumped hydro storage.
EDF highlighted its efforts to establish an ecosystem and supply chain in India to support large-scale localization of nuclear equipment and services. The company also emphasized that a sizeable programme involving multiple nuclear reactors could provide greater confidence to Indian suppliers and help achieve economies of scale by leveraging domestic industrial capabilities.
Agarwal briefed the French delegation on India’s progress in finalizing the regulatory framework for nuclear power. This includes the Draft SHANTI Rules and Regulations, which have been placed in the public domain by the Department of Atomic Energy for stakeholder consultation.
The proposed framework provides for a streamlined and time-bound licensing process and allows participation by private and foreign partners in India’s nuclear power programme.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in pumped hydro storage projects. The discussions build on the proposed joint venture between NTPC and EDF in the pumped hydro storage segment.
The engagement is expected to support deeper India-France cooperation across nuclear power, energy storage and related industrial supply chains.
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