India and France Discussed EPR Nuclear Reactor Deployment
Officials met in New Delhi to evaluate the expansion of nuclear capacity and the development of local supply chains.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Nuclear
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Indian and French officials held talks regarding the deployment of EPR nuclear reactors and the launch of new pumped hydro storage projects. The discussions focused on expanding international partnerships within India's power sector.
Why it matters
The collaboration seeks to accelerate India's nuclear power programme by integrating foreign technology and streamlining licensing rules. This move aims to establish economies of scale through a large-scale reactor deployment strategy.
The proposed SHANTI rules aim to replace legacy licensing processes with a streamlined framework designed for international partners. These changes are intended to support the local supply chain ecosystem that EDF is currently building for large-scale reactor construction.
The players
EDF
A French state-owned electric utility company specializing in low-carbon energy, large-scale nuclear power infrastructure, and renewable storage.
Pankaj Agarwal
The Power Secretary of India responsible for national energy policy and infrastructure expansion.
Bernard Fontana
The Chairman of EDF leading the firm's international expansion and nuclear reactor development initiatives.
Department of Atomic Energy
The Indian government body overseeing nuclear power policy, research and development, and regulatory compliance.
NTPC
India's largest power utility company, currently exploring a joint venture with international partners to expand its energy portfolio.
The details
The collaboration involves EPR — or European Pressurized Reactor, a third-generation pressurized water reactor designed for enhanced safety and output. The Department of Atomic Energy has released the draft SHANTI (Strategic Harmonization for Atomic Nuclear Technical Initiative) rules to create a simplified regulatory path for foreign technology providers. This process is intended to facilitate the localization of supply chains, ensuring that reactor components can be manufactured within India to reach sufficient volume for cost efficiencies.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Indian and French officials met in New Delhi to review project progress.
The Tech Race
This development marks a significant expansion of India's national nuclear power programme by formalizing the integration of foreign EPR reactor technology. It aligns with the government's push to secure long-term energy capacity through international partnerships rather than relying solely on domestic legacy systems.
The adoption of the SHANTI framework will likely influence the timelines for future grid-scale energy projects in India as private and foreign investment increases. Stakeholders are currently monitoring the public consultation phase to see how these rules will affect project approval speeds.
The takeaway
The move toward a streamlined regulatory framework signals a serious effort to de-risk foreign nuclear investment in the Indian market. Industry observers should watch for the conclusion of the SHANTI public consultation period to see which specific licensing revisions are adopted.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of reactor technology and global energy policies, visit our Nuclear section.
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