New Delhi: The Adani Group led by business tycoon Gautam Adani has its business spread across various sectors ranging from infrastructure and energy to FMCG logistics media defense aerospace and mining. Now it is preparing to enter the nuclear energy sector. Discussions are underway with the Uttar Pradesh government for this. According to media reports the company plans to build eight 200-megawatt Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This initiative comes at a time when the government is trying to diversify energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. UP Government Yet To Find Suitable Location For The Plant It is reported that the state government has not yet found a suitable location for the Adani Groups plant along a riverbank which is necessary to ensure a continuous water supply for the reactors. Several other large Indian groups such as the Tata Group Reliance Industries Limited and JSW Group are also trying to establish themselves in this emerging sector. According to the report the Adani Group is in discussions with Uttar Pradesh government officials regarding this. Project To Be Based On PPP Model It is reported that this project will be based on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to the report the Adani Group is in discussions with Uttar Pradesh government officials regarding this. Under this arrangement the government company Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) will operate the plant proposed by the Adani Group. The government-owned Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is currently working on the design and development of the 200 MW SMRs that the Adani Group intends to install. After government approval the project is expected to be completed in five to six years. Increased Investment In The Nuclear Sector Parliament recently approved opening up the nuclear industry to private firms. Currently India operates nearly two dozen nuclear power plants at seven locations contributing approximately 3 per cent to the countrys total power production. Plans are underway to increase their capacity from the current 8780 MW to 13600 MW with projects being implemented in various phases. Since this sector has so far operated within a limited scope allowing private companies to enter will boost investment and create a large number of jobs.