India, Feb. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

BARC has taken-up design, development and establishment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) suitable for deployment as captive power plants for the energy intensive sectors, repurposing of retiring fossil fuel based power plants, and deployment in remote location with no grid connectivity. Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, funds have also been allocated for Research & Development of indigenous SMRs by 2033.

220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200). Lead unit proposed at Tarapur Atomic Power station site, Maharashtra.

55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55). Lead unit proposed to be constructed at Tarapur.

ten years, as per the regulatory requirements. During PSR, the safety of the plant is assessed considering cumulative effects of ageing, plant modifications, operating experience as well as comparison with the current safety requirements / practices, and necessary safety upgrades are identified and implemented.

The Department has recently initiated design and development of SMRs namely,

AERB safety and regulatory requirements for licensing of NPPs are mostly technology neutral. In light of the evolving developments in the field of SMRs, AERB has conducted review of its existing regulatory requirements and concluded that the same regulatory framework can generally be applied for safety regulation of advanced reactors such as SMRs, except a few technology specific aspects for which review may be required when details of proposed sites and design of specific SMR is submitted to AERB. AERB also participates in various international forums to keep itself abreast about the developments in regulation of SMRs and suitably adopt them when required.

This Information was submitted by The Minister Of State For Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in Loksabha on 4th February 2026.

NKR/JP

Additionally, up to 5 MWth high temperature gas cooled reactor has also been planned for hydrogen generation. This reactor is proposed to be constructed at BARC Vizag, Andhra Pradesh.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.