India, Dec. 3 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Under Nuclear Energy Mission funds, have been allocated for R&D of 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) which is in advanced stage of obtaining administrative and financial sanction.
BSMR is based on the proven pressurized water reactor technology. It will use Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) as a fuel. It has been provided with passive safety features as well as several engineered safety systems to ensure nuclear safety during off normal conditions.
Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, BARC has initiated design and development works on SMRs namely;
In Union Budget 2025-26, the Government has allocated Rs.20,000 crore for the design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to operationalise indigenously developed SMRs by 2033.
SMR is a promising technology in industrial decarbonization especially where there is a requirement of reliable and continuous supply of power. Small modular reactors are being developed with specific objectives of;
Government has announced to partner with private players for deployment of 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSR). Accordingly, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) within the existing legal framework, inviting Indian industries to participate in setting up of BSR for captive power generation, to provide a sustainable, low-carbon energy solution for industries, enabling them to decarbonize their operations.
Government of India has set the target of achieving 100 GWe installed nuclear energy capacity by 2047 to contribute significantly in achieving the target of Net Zero by 2070.
Small Modular Reactors can be located in brown field sites for repurposing of retiring fossil fuel base plants in off grid areas and as captive power plants in energy intensive industries where large plants cannot be located. They also enable reduce the construction time due to modular construction.
Safety including environmental safety is accorded highest priority in setting up of nuclear power projects. The construction of nuclear power plants is commenced only after obtaining environmental clearance from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) following the due process.
Waste management facilities are an integral part of the design and established along with the plants at the site.
Public awareness activities based on a multipronged approach to spread awareness about nuclear power projects and address any apprehensions in a credible manner are ongoing. DAE regularly organise public awareness programme for educational institutions and villages around the plant sites to spread awareness about nuclear energy and to eradicate myths.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
