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Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, the Government of India plans to develop and operationaliseat least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033, supporting the long-term target of 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047.

What are SMRs?

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with relatively lower power output than conventional gigawatt-scale reactors.
• As per the IAEA, an SMR generally has an electrical capacity of up to 300 MWe per unit.
• Like conventional reactors, they generate energy through controlled nuclear fission, primarily involving fuels such as Uranium-235.

Key Features

• Modular construction: Major components can be factory-manufactured and transported to the site, reducing construction time and site-specific engineering.
• Lower land and cooling requirements: Smaller physical footprint and generally lower cooling-water requirements than large reactors.
• Passive safety: Safety systems can rely on natural physical processes such as gravity and convection, reducing dependence on active power or human intervention during emergencies.
• Scalability: Additional reactor modules can be added progressively according to electricity demand.
• Multiple applications: Can provide baseload electricity as well as heat for industrial processes, including potential applications in green hydrogen production.
• Lower financial risk: Incremental deployment and factory production can reduce upfront capital requirements and construction-related risks.

India’s Indigenous SMR Designs

BARC, under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is developing indigenous designs, including:

• BSMR-200: Around 220 MWe, based on Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology.
• SMR-55: Around 55 MWe PWR designed for smaller/regional grids.
• High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGCR): Up to 5 MW, aimed particularly at supplying high-temperature process heat, including for green hydrogen applications.

Policy & Institutional Framework

• Nodal developer: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
• International oversight/tracking:IAEA and OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).
• India’s nuclear expansion is being facilitated by the SHANTI Act, 2025, which provides a framework for greater private-sector participation in nuclear technology manufacturing and deployment.

Significance for India

• Helps achieve the 100 GWe nuclear capacity target by 2047.
• Provides reliable low-carbon baseload power.
• Can support industrial decarbonisation through process heat.
• Smaller and modular units can be suitable for regions with lower electricity demand.
• Factory-based production could promote standardisation, domestic manufacturing and economies of scale.