The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) from private sector companies to establish two units of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs). This initiative is a step forward in the government’s ambitious plan to deploy 40–50 such reactors over the next decade as part of India’s nuclear energy expansion.
Key Highlights:
- Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs):
- Design: 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) with compact, safe, and high-performance features.
- Purpose: Designed for captive use, making them ideal for industries requiring dedicated power supply.
- Proposal Framework:
- The BSRs will be constructed at the private bidder’s cost.
- Once built, the asset will be transferred to NPCIL for a token consideration of ₹1.
- NPCIL will operate the reactors, charging an expertise fee of 60 paise per kWhr of electricity produced in 2030–31, with a yearly increase of 1 paise per kWhr.
- Electricity Usage Rights:
- The private company will have rights over the net electricity output (total generation minus auxiliary consumption).
- Companies may either consume the power captively or sell it to other consumers, with tariffs determined by the Department of Atomic Energy.
- Eligibility and Costs:
- Companies must have a net worth of at least ₹3,000 crore in FY 2023–24 to participate.
- Insurance: NPCIL will ensure compliance with the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, but the private company will bear the insurance costs.
- Government’s Vision:
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the 220 MW BSR initiative during her budget speech in July 2024.
- This partnership with the private sector aligns with India’s goal to expand nuclear energy infrastructure and address growing energy demands.
(Sources: BL & ET)
