Context:
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has announced that North India’s first nuclear power project is being developed in Gorakhpur, Haryana.
More on the news:
Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) is situated in the Fatehabad district of Haryana State.
The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project comprises of two twin units of 700 MW each viz. GHAVP-1&2 (2X700 MW) and GHAVP-3&4 (2X700MW), marking the first nuclear project in North India, as part of this broader vision.
Land acquisition has been completed at the Gorakhpur site in Haryana and Environmental clearance has been obtained for the project.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Jaitapur Nuclear Plant to Contribute 10% of India’s 100 GW Clean Energy Goal.
The Jaitapur plant (Maharashtra), once operational, will house six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, totalling 10,380 MW—accounting for 10% of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.
- It will be the largest nuclear power plant in India once completed.
Significance
- These projects align with India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
- It Strengthens India’s position as a leader in nuclear technology.
Current Nuclear Energy Scenario in India:
- India’s Nuclear power generation capacity has grown significantly in the last decade, nearly doubling from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024.
- In February 2025 Minister of Finance announced that the “Development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for our energy transition efforts.”
- The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), targeting at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033.
- The country has nuclear ores from which a total of about 78,000 tonnes of uranium metal and about 518,000 tonnes of thorium metal can be extracted.