India to complete first two units of Gorakhpur nuclear plant by 2031-2032

Construction on the main island will fully commence following site improvements.

India is targeting to complete the first two units of the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project by 2031 to 2032.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the nuclear plant comprises two twin units of 700 megawatt (MW) each. Construction of GHAVP-1&2 is ongoing following the granting of administrative approval and financial sanction for the project in February 2014.

Excavation activities commenced in the year 2018, followed by the construction of foundation piles and their qualification.  However, confirmatory geotechnical investigations indicated some localised weak zones in soil strata.

Investigations and recommendations for remediation were made, which are under review by the regulatory authority. Since this process took time, the commencement of the construction of the nuclear Island was delayed.

“Award of work on equipment, major EPC packages and construction of other main plant buildings progressed,” the ministry said.

Construction activities in the main nuclear island will commence in full swing once site-specific ground improvement activities are concluded and regulatory clearance is obtained.