The Indian government has extended an invitation to private sector players to collaborate on the development of indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This initiative is a crucial part of the nation's broader decarbonization strategy, aiming to provide clean nuclear power for industrial use.
Leading the charge are the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), who have been actively developing this technology for several years. Consultative meetings have already taken place with industry stakeholders to outline a roadmap for participation, particularly for a proposed SMR site in Tarapur, Maharashtra.
Understanding Small Modular Reactors
Small Modular Reactors are advanced nuclear fission reactors designed to generate up to 300 MWe of electricity. Their key advantages lie in their compact, modular design, which facilitates factory-based manufacturing, faster construction timelines, enhanced quality control, and phased deployment. These characteristics make SMRs particularly suitable for industries looking to integrate multiple units for reliable, clean power generation.
Project Timeline and Financial Commitment
While NPCIL and BARC have made significant progress, the development of SMR technology requires substantial time and financial investment. Industry spokespersons indicate that these indigenous SMRs are anticipated to become operational between 2033 and 2034. The Union Budget 2025–26 has allocated a substantial Rs 20,000 crore to support the design, development, and deployment of these reactors.
Expanding India's Nuclear Capacity
India's SMR program includes specific designs such as the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) and the 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55). The Atomic Energy Commission has already approved Tarapur, Maharashtra, as a site for these initial deployments, with a goal of operationalizing at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033. Furthermore, BARC is developing a High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGCR) of up to 5 MWth capacity, which can be coupled with thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production, aligning with India's sustainable energy goals.
Private Industry's Crucial Role
The Department of Atomic Energy is actively fostering Indian industry involvement through knowledge-sharing initiatives and direct support for new SMR technologies. This includes strengthening the private-sector R&D ecosystem and developing domestic nuclear vendors. Indian industry has already successfully realized critical components, such as low-alloy steel forgings for reactor pressure vessels and reactivity control drive mechanisms, demonstrating its capability and commitment to this ambitious national project.