Reliance Industries has proposed a nuclear power project in West Bengal. The project could attract investment of about Rs 2 lakh crore over six to seven years. State government sources shared the details this week.

The company prefers Haripur in East Midnapore as the site. The state government has suggested Nayachar near Haldia as an alternative. Reliance is also exploring data centres and coal gasification in the state.

Haripur has a long nuclear history. Russia’s Rosatom had earlier proposed six to eight reactors there. That plan faced protests from political and green groups.

The site was cleared by the Union Environment Ministry years ago. Nuclear power is back in focus as electricity demand rises. The government wants to raise nuclear capacity from 8.78 GW to 22.48 GW by 2030.

The long-term aim is 100 GW by 2047. Private firms can fund and build plants outside reactor areas. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India operates the stations.

Reliance, Adani, Tata Power and Vedanta are among firms eyeing the sector. The Bengal proposal is still at an early stage. Land, approvals and central clearances will decide its future.