The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant, officially known as the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP), represents a significant milestone in North India’s journey toward clean and sustainable energy. Located in Gorakhpur village, Fatehabad district, Haryana—approximately 150 km north of New Delhi—this project is set to become the region’s first nuclear power plant. Developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), it aligns with India’s broader goal of expanding its nuclear energy capacity to meet growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The GHAVP is planned to include four indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) units, each with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW), totaling 2,800 MW upon completion. The project is being executed in two phases: Phase 1 includes GHAVP-1 and GHAVP-2, with the first unit expected to commence operations by June 2028, and the second unit following by 2029. Phase 2, comprising GHAVP-3 and GHAVP-4, is projected to be completed by 2036, doubling the plant’s capacity. These reactors use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as both coolant and moderator, showcasing India’s advancements in homegrown nuclear technology.
Construction began in 2018, following the foundation stone laying in January 2014. As of recent updates, significant progress has been made: 74% of ground improvement work is complete, and critical components like end shields and steam generators for the first unit have arrived at the site. The project, estimated at ₹20,594 crore (approximately $3.85 billion in 2023 terms), has already utilized ₹4,906 crore, reflecting a financial progress of about 23.8%. Beyond energy production, it promises economic benefits, including 8,000 jobs during peak construction.
This initiative supports India’s clean energy ambitions, contributing to a target of 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047, as emphasized in the Union Budget 2025-26. North India, particularly Haryana—an industrialized state with a power demand of 8,900 MW but generating less than 2,000 MW—stands to gain significantly from this reliable, carbon-free energy source. The plant will help bridge the energy gap, reduce dependence on imported power, and advance India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.
While the project marks a leap forward, it has faced challenges, including delays due to equipment supply issues and initial resistance from local farmers over land acquisition. Environmental and safety concerns have also been raised, but the government assures that rigorous safeguards are in place. With ongoing efforts to address these hurdles, the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant is poised to be a game-changer for North India’s energy landscape, heralding a cleaner, more sustainable future.
