The concept design of the lead unit of Bharat Small Modular Reactor 200 MWe has been completed, which includes sizing of the nuclear reactor alongwith the primary heat transport system, Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh said in a written response to a query in Lok Sabha.
- BSMR-200 Development:
- Developed by BARC, Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) targets the repurposing of retiring thermal power plants (TPPs) and captive power plants (CPPs).
- Its design is based on proven pressurized water reactor technology, ensuring reliability and safety.
- The reactor will be largely indigenous, enhancing sustainability and enabling mass deployment, with the option to use imported slightly enriched uranium if necessary.
- SMR-55 for Remote Areas:
- Designed to provide energy to remote and off-grid locations, SMR-55 is aimed at decarbonising the energy sector by offering a scalable and adaptable energy solution.
- High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor:
- With a capacity of 5 MWth, this reactor is being developed specifically for hydrogen generation, which is critical for decarbonising the transport sector and various process industries.
- Ambitious Capacity Targets:
- The nuclear energy mission, as announced in the FY26 budget, sets an ambitious goal of achieving 100 GWe (gigawatt electric) of nuclear energy by 2047.
- Investment in SMRs:
- A dedicated fund of Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated for the deployment of five SMRs by 2033, reflecting the strategic commitment to expanding nuclear power as a key component of India’s energy mix.
