Gorakhpur village in Fatehabad district, Haryana, is gearing up for the launch of North India’s first nuclear power plant. The inaugural unit of this groundbreaking project is expected to commence operations by June 2028, according to recent updates shared during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal. The meeting focused on coordinating efforts between the Haryana Government and Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP).
Niranjan Kumar Mittal, Project Director of GHAVP, provided an overview of the project’s progress, highlighting that 74 percent of the ground improvement work has already been completed. Furthermore, crucial components including end shields, steam generators, and critical reactor elements have been successfully delivered to the site.
Spread across 560 hectares of land in Gorakhpur village, Fatehabad district, approximately 150 kilometers north of New Delhi, the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) consists of two stages: GHAVP-1 and GHAVP-2 (2X700 MW) and GHAVP-3 and GHAVP-4 (2X700 MW). These four units are designed with a capacity of 700 MWe each, employing the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) indigenous technology.
The PHWR is a nuclear power reactor that utilizes natural uranium as fuel, heavy water (deuterium oxide D2O) as a coolant and moderator. By maintaining heavy water coolant under pressure, its boiling point is raised, enabling it to be heated at higher temperatures. Although heavy water is more expensive than regular light water, it enhances the reactor’s neutron economy, eliminating the need for fuel enrichment.
The steam generators in the plant produce nearly dry saturated steam, which powers the turbine. The turbine, a tandem compound machine directly connected to an electrical generator, generates electricity. The power generated, amounting to 2,800 MW, will be transmitted to the grid from the nuclear power station at 400 kV. Out of the total capacity, 1,400 MW will be supplied to meet the electricity demands of the people of Haryana, ensuring a stable power supply for the region.
The first stage of the project is scheduled to be commissioned within 66 months from the “Zero-Date,” which marks the commencement of construction activities at the site. Subsequently, the second and third units are anticipated to be commissioned four years apart.
Currently, units 1 and 2 are under construction, while pre-project activities and procurement of long delivery equipment are underway for the third and fourth units.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is responsible for the implementation of this ambitious nuclear project.
To facilitate uninterrupted power supply to the project, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal instructed the power utility to expedite the relocation of High Tension (HT)/Low Tension (LT) lines and establish a 33 KV power connection from an alternative source. Additionally, Kaushal directed the Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads) and the Fatehabad district administration to conduct a joint feasibility study for a connecting road from the National Highway to the project site. Such a road would streamline the transportation of heavy lifts and Over Dimension Consignments (ODC) to the site, contributing to the project’s smooth execution.
By harnessing the potential of nuclear power, the Gorakhpur nuclear power plant will play a pivotal role in meeting Haryana’s energy demands and ensuring a sustainable and reliable source of electricity for the state. The commencement of operations of the first unit by June 2028 marks a significant milestone in the progress of this ambitious project.
The establishment of the Gorakhpur nuclear power plant is a testament to India’s commitment to clean and efficient energy production. By utilizing the PHWR technology and indigenous design, the plant will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change. It will also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and enhance the energy security of the region.
The project has been carefully planned, taking into consideration various factors such as site selection, logistics, and infrastructure development. Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal’s directives regarding the relocation of power lines and the construction of a connecting road demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to ensuring a smooth implementation process.
Furthermore, the involvement of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy ensures the highest standards of safety, quality, and expertise in the execution of the project. Stringent regulatory measures and thorough inspections will be implemented to guarantee the plant’s compliance with national and international nuclear safety standards.
The Gorakhpur nuclear power plant is not only an engineering marvel but also a significant contributor to the economic growth of the region. The construction phase has already created employment opportunities and stimulated local businesses. Once operational, the plant will generate a substantial amount of clean energy, fostering industrial development, attracting investments, and creating a favorable environment for economic expansion.
Additionally, the project holds the potential to inspire further advancements in nuclear power technology and expertise in India. The successful completion of the Gorakhpur nuclear power plant will serve as a benchmark for future projects and reinforce the country’s position as a leader in the field of nuclear energy.
As the project progresses towards its completion, the coordination between the Haryana Government, GHAVP, and various stakeholders will remain crucial. Regular monitoring, effective communication, and timely decision-making will ensure the smooth execution of the remaining construction phases and pave the way for the subsequent units of the nuclear power plant.
In conclusion, the first unit of North India’s inaugural nuclear power plant in Gorakhpur, Haryana, is poised to begin operations by June 2028. This landmark project represents a significant step towards meeting the energy demands of the region while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. The successful implementation of the Gorakhpur nuclear power plant will bring numerous benefits, including a stable power supply, economic growth, and advancements in nuclear technology, establishing India as a frontrunner in the global energy landscape.
