Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has announced the establishment of North India’s first nuclear power project in Gorakhpur, Haryana, reaffirming the government's commitment to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project as a vital step toward India's clean energy goals.
Addressing concerns raised in the Lok Sabha, Dr. Singh clarified that the project's environmental clearance is currently under renewal, assuring that necessary safeguards are in place to mitigate ecological and safety risks. Despite objections from conservation groups and concerns about the seismic zone location, he emphasized the government’s confidence in the project's safety, backed by evidence-based studies dismissing significant threats to marine life, fisheries, or local communities.
The environmental clearance had expired in December 2022 due to procedural delays, not new environmental concerns. Dr. Singh explained that the initial approvals granted in 2008 faced setbacks due to evolving agreements with French stakeholders. However, with technical agreements finalized, ongoing discussions aim to resolve commercial terms for the Jaitapur plant.
Once operational, the Jaitapur plant will feature six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, contributing a total of 10,380 MW — approximately 10% of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.
Addressing nuclear liability concerns, Dr. Singh highlighted the robust framework under India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act. An insurance pool of ?1,500 crore has been established, with additional government support if necessary. Moreover, India has aligned with global compensation mechanisms to ensure financial security in the event of any incident.
In a significant policy shift, the government is also encouraging private participation in the nuclear energy sector to accelerate its growth. The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant in Haryana is a key part of this strategy, marking a major milestone for the region and contributing to India's net-zero emissions target by 2070.
The Jaitapur project is poised to strengthen India's clean energy portfolio and reinforce its leadership in nuclear technology on the global stage.