The Indian government has announced plans to build the first nuclear power plant in North India. Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed that the plant will be constructed in Gorakhpur, Haryana. This initiative is considered a significant accomplishment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has prioritized the expansion of nuclear and atomic energy plants across the country.
Singh said that keeping in line with the priority to increase India’s nuclear capacity, a number of path breaking decisions were taken in last over eight years. He added that a bulk approval of installation of 10 nuclear reactors has been given a nod by the government.
The plant is to be built on 560 hectares of land. It will generate 2800 MW. The foundation stone was laid in 2014. However, construction is just beginning. The first phase is to be complete by 2025 and the second phase is by 2028. As the second phase completes the plant will be in full operation generating 2800 MW.
Previously, such installations were mainly confined to southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, as well as western Maharashtra. The addition of the Gorakhpur plant will help to meet the increasing energy demands of the region.
According to Singh, the Center has unanimously approved the installation of 10 nuclear reactors in an effort to boost India’s nuclear capability. The Department of Atomic Energy is also allowed to join forces with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to get funding for the opening of nuclear power plants. Haryana’s Gorakhpur In the Fatehabad area of Haryana, the Anu Vidyut Pariyojana’s (GHAVP) Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) with two units, each with a capacity of 700 MWe, is currently being built. Of the entire monies allotted, $20,594 Cr. have been spent as of today.
The project is expected to boost the state’s economy and create job opportunities for the local population. The new nuclear plant will also contribute to the country’s overall energy security and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The minister said that the Department of Atomic Energy has also been given permission for forming joint ventures with PSUs for opening atomic energy plants, which is an upcoming and promising sector, having potential to fulfil India’s energy needs in times to come.
The Haryana government has expressed its full support for the project and has assured the Centre of all necessary assistance. The state is already home to a number of power plants, including thermal and solar power plants, and the addition of a nuclear plant will further strengthen its position as a leading power producer in the country.
The construction of the Gorakhpur nuclear plant is a major step forward in the Indian government’s efforts to increase its nuclear power capacity and meet the country’s growing energy demands. It is expected to be completed in the coming years and will play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the people of North India.
