Reliance Proposes Massive Nuclear Power Project
Reliance Industries has proposed setting up a nuclear power plant in West Bengal, with the project potentially bringing investment of around Rs 2 lakh crore to the state over six to seven years.
The proposal was discussed during meetings between senior Reliance executives and West Bengal government officials. The nuclear project emerged as one of the group’s most significant investment proposals for the state.
Haripur Emerges As Reliance’s Preferred Site
Reliance is reportedly interested in developing the nuclear plant at Haripur in East Midnapore, a coastal area near Contai.
Haripur had previously been identified as a potential nuclear power site. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India had earlier proposed a 1,000MW nuclear project there, with Russian technical collaboration.
That project was eventually abandoned following strong opposition from local fishermen and villagers.
The central government continues to list Haripur among sites with in-principle approval for nuclear projects.
West Bengal Government Suggests Alternative Site
The state government has also suggested Nayachar, near Haldia, as an alternative location.
The suggestion comes partly because of the opposition that surrounded the earlier Haripur proposal. Local communities had raised concerns about the potential impact of a nuclear plant on farming and fishing.
Reliance, however, is reportedly more interested in Haripur.
A large parcel of land had previously been identified at Haripur for the NPCIL project, and several technical and environmental surveys had already been carried out. This could potentially simplify some preliminary work if the site is selected again.
Reliance Plans Multiple Investments In Bengal
The nuclear project is part of a much larger investment push being explored by Reliance in West Bengal.
The company has also proposed investments in data centres and AI cloud services, an international cable landing station, coal gasification, food processing, roads and healthcare.
Reliance is developing a data centre in New Town on a 40-acre site allocated by the state. Work on part of the facility is expected to progress rapidly, with the complete facility targeted for completion next year.
The company has also expressed interest in developing hotels in Kolkata, the hills of north Bengal and the Sunderbans.
Coal Gasification Also On Reliance’s Radar
Another major area being considered is coal gasification.
The technology converts coal that may not be economically mineable through conventional methods into gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide. These gases can subsequently be used for industrial applications and chemical production.
The state government has been exploring coal gasification opportunities in areas including the Deocha-Pachami region and abandoned coalfields.
Nuclear Project Still At Proposal Stage
The proposed nuclear plant is still at the discussion and planning stage. The final site, technology, project structure, investment amount and implementation schedule have not been formally finalised.
If the project moves forward, it would represent one of the largest proposed private-sector investments in West Bengal and could significantly expand the state’s power-generation and industrial infrastructure.
Summary
Reliance Industries has proposed a nuclear power project in West Bengal that could attract around Rs 2 lakh crore of investment over six to seven years. The company is reportedly interested in Haripur in East Midnapore, while the state has suggested Nayachar near Haldia as an alternative. Reliance is also exploring investments in data centres, AI, coal gasification, hotels, roads and healthcare.
