GS III- Infrastructure
Context:
North India’s first nuclear power project is being developed in Gorakhpur, Haryana by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
About Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant
- Location: Gorakhpur village, Fatehabad district, Haryana.
- Developer: NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited).
- Foundation Stone: Laid in 2014 by Dr. Manmohan Singh.
- Operational Timeline: First two units are expected to be operational by 2031.
- Significance: Supports India’s clean energy goals and net-zero emissions target by 2070, positioning India as a leader in nuclear technology.
Key Project Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Capacity | 2 x 700 MW (1st phase); total planned 2,800 MW (4 reactors). |
| Technology | Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), indigenously developed. |
| Estimated Cost | ₹20,594 crore. |
| Water Supply | Bhakra Canal, used for cooling purposes. |
About NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited)
- Type: Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
- Established: 1987, under the Companies Act, 1956.
- Mandate:
- Design, construct, commission, and operate nuclear power reactors.
- Implement nuclear power projects under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Significance of the Project
- Enhances Energy Security: Expands India’s nuclear power generation capacity.
- Clean Energy Transition: Helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Boosts Indigenous Nuclear Technology: Showcases India’s self-reliance in nuclear energy.
- Economic & Regional Development: Creates jobs and infrastructure growth in Haryana.