Indigenous Small Modular Reactors (Science and Technology)
Indigenous Small Modular Reactors (Science and Technology)
Why In News:
India is expanding its nuclear energy programme with a target of reaching 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047 and developing at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.
India’s Nuclear Energy Roadmap
Long-term capacity target: India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to around 100 GWe by 2047, making nuclear energy an important component of its low-carbon electricity mix.
SMR target: The government aims to operationalise at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033, with a focus on developing technologies suited to India's energy requirements.
Financial support: The Nuclear Energy Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, allocated ₹20,000 crore for the development and deployment of SMRs.
Current capacity: India's installed nuclear power capacity is around 8.78 GW, contributing approximately 3% of total electricity generation capacity.
Indigenous SMR Designs
India is developing multiple reactor concepts suited to different applications:
Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200): An indigenous 220 MWe pressurised water reactor design being developed by BARC, aimed at expanding India's domestic SMR technology base.
SMR-55: A smaller 55 MWe reactor concept, offering the possibility of flexible deployment for specific energy requirements.
High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor: A 5 MWt design is being developed with potential applications in hydrogen production and industrial process heat.
Proposed locations: Lead SMR units have been proposed for sites including Tarapur in Maharashtra and the Vizag campus in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Facts for Prelims
a) Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors generally designed with a smaller electrical output than conventional large-scale reactors, with the IAEA commonly using up to 300 MWe per unit as the broad SMR category.
Their modular construction, smaller size and potential for factory-based manufacturing can offer greater flexibility compared with conventional large reactors.
Depending on their design, SMRs can potentially support electricity generation, industrial heat, desalination and hydrogen production.
b) Key Nuclear Institutions
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): The central government department responsible for India's nuclear energy programme.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC): India's premier nuclear research institution, involved in reactor technology, nuclear fuel cycle and advanced nuclear research.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL): A public-sector enterprise under the DAE responsible for designing, constructing, commissioning and operating nuclear power reactors for electricity generation.