Kiru Hydropower Project Nears Completion as Adani Eyes Nuclear Expansion

The 624-MW Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project in the Chenab Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, has reached a critical final phase, with over 83% of physical construction completed. Developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL)—a joint venture of NHPC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation—the project is now scheduled for commissioning in December 2026. Despite earlier delays caused by challenging geological conditions and harsh mountain terrain, the project’s cumulative expenditure has climbed to over ₹3,733 crore, with a revised total project cost of ₹5,409 crore.

Once operational, the Kiru facility will generate approximately 2,272 million units of electricity annually, serving as a vital component of the Chenab basin's hydroelectric development program. The infrastructure features a 135-metre-high concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse equipped with four 156 MW turbines. This development is expected to reinforce the northern grid and bolster national renewable energy targets significantly.

In broader energy developments, the Adani Group is diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional hydroelectric and solar projects. Gautam Adani has recently outlined a strategic roadmap to establish 10 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2035. This move aligns with India's increasing emphasis on base-load power generation to supplement the intermittency of renewable sources. The shift toward nuclear power reflects a national trend among large conglomerates to secure diversified energy assets to support the growing industrial demands of the Indian economy.