Stories
India, France Boost Nuclear and Hydro Power Cooperation
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CNBC TV18•25-09-2026, 16:49
India, France Boost Nuclear and Hydro Power Cooperation
- •India and France discussed deploying EPR reactors and pumped hydro projects, with Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal meeting EDF's Chairman Bernard Fontana.
- •Discussions focused on EPR technology, India's nuclear regulatory reforms, and cooperation on pumped hydro storage.
- •EDF highlighted efforts to build a local ecosystem and supply chain in India for large-scale localization of nuclear projects.
- •India's Power Secretary briefed the French side on progress in finalizing the nuclear regulatory framework, including the Draft SHANTI Rules.
- •Both sides explored cooperation on pumped hydro storage projects, building on a proposed NTPC-EDF joint venture.
Key Questions Answered
India's Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and EDF Chairman and CEO Bernard Fontana discussed the deployment of EPR reactors in India, regulatory reforms for the nuclear sector, and cooperation on pumped hydro storage projects.
The draft SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Rules and Regulations aim to establish a streamlined and time-bound licensing framework to enable participation from private and foreign partners in India's nuclear power programme.
Both nations discussed cooperation on pumped hydro storage projects, building upon the proposed joint venture between NTPC and French utility EDF.
