Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Wednesday that North India’s first nuclear power project will be established in Gorakhpur, Haryana. He described the project as a significant milestone in India’s nuclear energy expansion and a crucial step toward the country’s clean energy goals.
Addressing concerns in the Lok Sabha regarding the environmental impact and safety of the Jaitapur project, Dr. Singh clarified that its environmental clearance is currently under renewal. He assured that all necessary safeguards are in place to mitigate ecological risks and ensure safety.
Despite objections from conservation groups and concerns about its seismic zone location, Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s confidence in the project’s safety. He said that concerns about risks to marine life and local livelihoods have been raised repeatedly, and the government has consistently provided evidence-based studies proving there is no such risk.
Dr. Singh further explained that the environmental clearance had expired in December 2022 due to procedural delays, not because of any fresh environmental objections. He emphasized that if there were serious environmental hazards, the project would not have received environmental clearance earlier.
The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant, initially approved in 2008, faced delays due to shifts in agreements with French stakeholders. With technical agreements now finalized, discussions are ongoing to settle commercial terms with the French side.
Once operational, the Jaitapur plant will house six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, totaling 10,380 MW. This will contribute 10 percent of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s clean energy strategy.
Dr. Singh also highlighted that India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) framework provides robust safeguards. The primary responsibility rests with the operator, and an insurance pool of ₹1,500 crore has been set up, with additional government commitments if required. India has also aligned with global compensation mechanisms to ensure financial security in case of an incident.
With India aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070, the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project and other upcoming plants will play a critical role in the country’s clean energy ambitions, further strengthening India’s position as a leader in nuclear technology.
