Jharkhand moved a step closer to entering the nuclear energy sector on Thursday after the state government signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its first proposed nuclear power plant, as part of investment agreements worth Rs 99,639 crore inked with 14 companies during the concluding session of the two-day National Stakeholders' Consultation in New Delhi.
The proposed 1,400-MW nuclear power project, to be developed by Jindal Nuclear Power Pvt. Ltd., is expected to attract an investment of Rs 30,000 crore, making it one of the largest projects announced during the investment summit.
If the proposal materialises, it will be the first nuclear power facility in Jharkhand and is expected to significantly strengthen the state's long-term energy infrastructure while supporting India's transition towards low-carbon electricity generation.
Officials said Jharkhand's reserves of strategic minerals such as uranium and thorium make it a suitable location for nuclear energy development. Nuclear power already contributes to electricity generation in several parts of the country, and the proposed project is expected to place Jharkhand on India's nuclear energy map.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and senior government officials. The agreements cover investments in industries, information technology and tourism, reflecting the state's efforts to attract large-scale private investment and accelerate economic growth.
Apart from the nuclear power proposal, Jindal Steel Ltd committed Rs 40,000 crore for a new steel manufacturing facility, while Jindal Renewables signed an agreement to establish a 140-MW solar power plant, further expanding the state's clean energy portfolio.
Tata Steel also signed an MoU for the expansion of its tinplate business and the installation of an Easy Melt Technology plant.
Meanwhile, the Adani Group proposed an investment of Rs 4,980 crore to establish an Ambuja Cement manufacturing unit in Godda district.
The investment drive also focused on emerging technologies. The state government entered into an agreement with Google LLC to collaborate on artificial intelligence and cloud-based digital infrastructure.
As part of the initiative, nearly 2.3 lakh teachers across Jharkhand will receive AI training to improve digital learning in schools.
Another agreement with Lords Education Society aims to leverage artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly to support tuberculosis control and improve disease management across the state.
On the occasion, the government also launched the MSME Connect Portal, a digital platform designed to strengthen support for micro, small and medium enterprises and improve ease of doing business in Jharkhand.
Also read: J'khand targets AI-led growth under Vision 2050
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