Stronger India-France Power Ties Could Boost Energy Investment and Technology

India and France have stepped up discussions on cooperation in the power sector, focusing on the deployment of European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology, nuclear-sector regulatory reforms and pumped hydro storage projects.

The discussions took place between Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, and Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of France-based EDF, according to an official statement.

The meeting reviewed ongoing engagement between India and EDF on the proposed deployment of EPR reactors in India. EDF also briefed the Indian side on efforts to develop a domestic ecosystem and supply chain to support large-scale localisation of nuclear equipment and services.

According to the statement, a larger programme involving multiple nuclear reactors could provide greater certainty to suppliers, enable economies of scale and allow India’s industrial capabilities to play a larger role in the nuclear supply chain.

Agarwal briefed the French side on progress towards finalising India’s regulatory framework for nuclear power, including the draft SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Rules and Regulations.

The proposed framework is intended to provide a streamlined and time-bound licensing process and facilitate participation by private and foreign partners in India’s nuclear power programme.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in pumped hydro storage, building on the proposed NTPC-EDF joint venture in the sector. Pumped hydro projects can support grid stability and help integrate variable renewable energy into the power system.

India currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8.78 GW, while nine additional reactor units with a combined capacity of 7.5 GW are under construction.

The country has set a target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Recent initiatives, including the Nuclear Energy Mission and the SHANTI Act, 2025, are aimed at supporting nuclear capacity expansion, domestic manufacturing, innovation and greater private-sector participation.

The government has also approved 10 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors in fleet mode and pre-project activities for two 500 MW Fast Breeder Reactors.

The latest India-France discussions underline the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation across nuclear technology, domestic manufacturing and energy storage as India seeks to strengthen its long-term power capacity and diversify its energy mix.