Karnataka to receive 50% Power share from Kaiga units 5 & 6; Project advances amid environmental concerns

Karwar: Karnataka is poised to receive a major boost to its power infrastructure with 50% of the power generated from the upcoming Units 5 and 6 of the Kaiga Nuclear Power Station (KNPS) in Uttara Kannada district being allocated to the state. Despite local resistance and a pending case in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) remains confident about the project’s successful completion.

Currently, Karnataka receives 35% of the power from the four operational units of Kaiga, each generating 220 MW. The upcoming fifth and sixth units will each generate 700 MW, with power expected to be supplied to the Southern Grid starting in 2030.

Environmental and Legal Challenges
Environmental groups and local organizations, including the Karwar-based Kaiga 5 and 6 Virodhi Horata Samithi, have raised objections over the environmental impact and approached the NGT challenging the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF)’s clearance. However, KNPS Site Director B. Vinod Kumar has assured that all statutory clearances have been obtained, including from the MoEF, State Pollution Control Board, Wildlife Board, and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

He emphasized that public concern regarding radiation and environmental harm is unfounded. “Studies have shown no evidence of radiation-linked cancer among local residents. In fact, Kaiga’s safety measures have been recognized internationally, and the plant has won multiple safety awards,” he said.

Land Use and Construction Progress
Chief Engineer H.N. Rameah confirmed that the new units will not require any fresh land acquisition or diversion of forest land. “Of the 120 hectares allocated back in 1988, only 65.91 hectares were used for the first four units. The remaining 54.09 hectares are sufficient for Units 5 and 6. No additional land is needed,” he said.

Construction activities are progressing rapidly. Excavation has been completed, and the main structural work is set to begin after the monsoon. The steam turbine contract has been awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), while the nuclear island package has been given to Megha Engineers and Infrastructure Limited.

The base construction work for both units is nearly complete. Installation of large equipment will begin in July 2027. Trial operations are expected to commence in October 2028, with Unit 5 slated to become operational by October 2030 and Unit 6 by 2031.

Sustainable and Efficient Technology
The new reactors will utilize advanced water reuse technology. Unlike the existing 220 MW units, which discharge used water back into the Kali River after cooling, the 5th and 6th units will recycle the same water for multiple cycles, reducing the environmental footprint and conserving water.

Importantly, there will be no discharge of waste into the Kadra Dam from the new units, reinforcing KNPS’s commitment to environmental safety.

Local Employment and Community Development
Kaiga has also contributed significantly to local employment and development. Of the 1,582 contract workers employed in Units 1–4, around 1,377 are from Uttara Kannada district, including 933 from within a 16-kilometer radius. For Units 5 and 6, 279 contract jobs have been given to people from Karnataka, including 224 from Uttara Kannada.

Out of the 1,308 permanent posts across various groups, 46% of Group A employees are from Karnataka. In addition, ₹110 crore has been spent on development works in surrounding villages through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives.

Future Outlook and National Strategy
According to Umesh Yadav, NPCIL’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kaiga is part of a broader national plan to build 20 new nuclear reactors across India in two phases. Alongside Kaiga, new 700 MW units are under construction in Gorakhpur (Haryana), Chutka (Madhya Pradesh), and Mahi Banswara (Rajasthan).

The central government is keen to reduce dependence on coal-based power and increase cleaner alternatives like nuclear energy. Nuclear reactors are more efficient and environmentally sustainable than coal-fired plants and play a critical role in India’s energy security and climate goals.

The total cost of the Kaiga expansion project is estimated at ₹21,000 crore. The reactor refurbishment work for Unit 1, currently offline since April 1 for feeder and coolant channel replacement, is expected to be completed by October 30 next year, after which Unit 2 will undergo similar refurbishment.

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