Gujarat is examining an ambitious plan to develop a large nuclear power complex at Dhuvaran in Anand district, with the proposed project expected to play a major role in meeting the state’s growing electricity needs. The project is being discussed as a 50:50 partnership between the Centre and Gujarat government and could have an installed capacity of either 4,200 MW or 7,000 MW.
With an estimated cost of around ₹35 crore per MW, the investment could range from approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore to ₹2.25 lakh crore, depending on the final capacity and configuration. However, the project is still at the planning and assessment stage, with several technical and administrative decisions yet to be finalised.
Dhuvaran emerges as proposed nuclear power site
The state government has identified land in Khambhat taluka of Anand district for the proposed nuclear complex. Around 1,100 hectares of land is already available for the project.
A team from the Union government has also visited the proposed site to examine the location for a nuclear fuel complex, which is planned alongside the power project.
Preliminary assessments have indicated that Dhuvaran could be suitable for a large-scale nuclear development. Detailed studies are now being carried out to examine factors such as seismic activity, soil and geological conditions, and the availability of cooling water.
Centre and Gujarat likely to form 50:50 joint venture
The proposed project would involve the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and the Gujarat State Electricity Company Ltd (GSECL).
The two sides are discussing the creation of a dedicated joint venture company that could eventually be responsible for developing, constructing and operating the civil nuclear power project.
The proposed 50:50 structure would bring together the expertise and resources of the central and state governments for what could become one of Gujarat’s biggest power-sector investments.
Capacity could be 4,200 MW or 7,000 MW
One of the key decisions still under consideration is the final size of the nuclear complex. The proposed installed capacity could be either:
4,200 MW, or
7,000 MW
The final configuration is yet to be decided.
At an estimated investment of about ₹35 crore per MW, a 4,200 MW project could require an investment of roughly ₹1.47 lakh crore, while a 7,000 MW project could involve around ₹2.45 lakh crore. The broader estimates currently being discussed place the project investment at approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore to ₹2.25 lakh crore, depending on the final project configuration and costs.
Why Gujarat needs more power
The proposed nuclear project comes at a time when Gujarat is expecting a sharp increase in electricity demand.
The state’s economy is expanding into several industries that require large and reliable supplies of electricity. These include semiconductor manufacturing, green hydrogen, data centres, electric mobility and other energy-intensive industries.
Nuclear power could provide a steady source of electricity while also supporting the state’s longer-term transition towards a more diversified and reliable energy mix.
Several reactor technologies under consideration
The government is not yet locked into a single reactor technology.
Discussions with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have included the possible deployment of proven Indian Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology.
Other options being considered include Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) and certified and regulated foreign reactor technologies.
The final choice would depend on technical assessments, regulatory requirements, project economics and other factors.
Technical studies are already underway
Before construction can begin, the proposed site will have to undergo detailed technical evaluation.
Authorities are examining the area’s seismology, geotechnical conditions and cooling-water availability. These studies are important because a nuclear power project requires a carefully assessed location with appropriate geological conditions and a dependable cooling-water source.
The government has also created a High-Power Committee (HPC) and an executive committee to examine the project’s feasibility and coordinate policy and administrative support.
Two meetings of the executive committee have already been held to discuss and finalise different aspects of the proposal.
Dhuvaran could expand Gujarat’s nuclear footprint
If approved and developed, the Dhuvaran project would add significantly to Gujarat’s existing nuclear power capacity.
The state already has the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Tapi district. It currently has four operational reactors — two 220 MW units and two 700 MW indigenously developed units.
Together, these reactors provide Gujarat with an installed nuclear capacity of 1,840 MW.
A new 4,200 MW or 7,000 MW complex at Dhuvaran would therefore represent a substantial expansion of the state’s nuclear power infrastructure.
Project still in early stages
Despite the scale of the proposal, the Dhuvaran project should not yet be viewed as an operational or fully approved nuclear power plant.
The project is currently undergoing site assessment, technical studies and discussions over its design, capacity and implementation structure.
Several important decisions — including the final capacity, reactor technology and detailed project configuration — are still being worked out.
If the proposal moves ahead, however, Dhuvaran could emerge as a major new centre for nuclear power generation in Gujarat, providing large-scale electricity to support the state’s rapidly expanding industrial and energy needs.
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