New Delhi: India’s nuclear energy expansion is gaining momentum with two major projects—the first-ever nuclear power plant in North India, coming up in Gorakhpur, Haryana, and the massive Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed the development, stating that the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant will mark a significant milestone in India’s clean energy ambitions. “This is a major step in expanding nuclear power beyond South and West India,” he said at a recent parliamentary session.
Meanwhile, the Jaitapur project, envisioned as the world’s largest nuclear power plant, is progressing despite environmental concerns. The six-reactor plant, with a total capacity of 10,380 MW, will account for 10% of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.
Gorakhpur nuclear power project: First for North India
The Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) will be the first nuclear power facility in North India. The project, located in Fatehabad district, will have four indigenous 700 MW pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), generating 2,800 MW in total.
Construction on the plant began in 2018, and the first reactor is expected to be operational by June 2028, according to officials from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The project aims to diversify India’s nuclear energy network, which has traditionally been concentrated in the western and southern parts of the country.
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of the project, saying, “The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant represents a major milestone in our commitment to sustainable and clean energy solutions.”
Jaitapur Nuclear Project: India’s largest faces scrutiny
In Maharashtra, the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, being developed in collaboration with French firm EDF, has faced delays due to negotiations over commercial terms and environmental concerns.
The environmental clearance for the project expired in December 2022, and its renewal is in progress. Critics have raised concerns about the plant’s location in a seismic zone and its potential impact on marine life and local fisheries.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Singh stated, “There is no risk to marine life, fisheries, or people living in the surrounding areas. We have evidence-based studies to prove this.” He also clarified that the delay in environmental clearance was due to procedural reasons and not fresh objections.
The Jaitapur project was initially approved in 2008, but delays arose from changes in agreements with French stakeholders. While the technical agreements have been finalized, discussions are still ongoing regarding commercial aspects.
Nuclear liability and private sector participation
With nuclear energy expansion a key priority, the government is also opening the sector to private players. Dr. Singh confirmed that policy shifts are underway to encourage private investment in nuclear power to accelerate the development of new plants.
Regarding nuclear liability, he assured that India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) framework provides clear safeguards. The liability primarily lies with the operator, and an insurance pool of ₹1,500 crore has been set up to cover any potential risks. Additionally, India has aligned with global compensation mechanisms to ensure financial security in case of an incident.
Nuclear energy to power India’s net-zero goals
India is pushing for nuclear energy as a key component of its clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. The Gorakhpur and Jaitapur projects will play a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing nuclear power’s contribution to India’s energy mix.
While Jaitapur remains under environmental scrutiny, the government remains confident in its safety. Meanwhile, the Gorakhpur project is progressing steadily, marking a historic moment for North India’s nuclear infrastructure.
With 100 GW of nuclear power targeted by 2047, these projects represent India’s growing commitment to nuclear technology and clean energy.
