India is emphasizing the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in existing sites to serve as captive power plants, aiding in the swift decarbonization of energy-intensive sectors. This strategy also involves repurposing retiring fossil fuel-based power plants and deploying SMRs in remote areas without grid connectivity to meet energy needs. The goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 can be met by employing large reactors like 700 MWe indigenous PHWRs and advanced imported reactor designs in new sites, according to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Atomic Energy.
SMRs are seen as a valuable technology for industrial decarbonization, particularly in scenarios requiring a consistent power supply. These reactors can be designed with load-follow capabilities to enhance operational flexibility, have shorter construction times leading to reduced capital costs, and offer standardized designs for mass production. Initiatives under the Nuclear Energy Mission include the development of SMRs by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), such as the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), with approved project reports awaiting financial sanction and ongoing pre-project activities.
BARC has also received approval for the 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55) project, with design work currently in progress along with the development of key prototype equipment. Leveraging its experience with Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is applying its expertise across the nuclear fuel cycle to pressurized water-based SMRs. The use of Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) as a potential fuel for SMRs is being considered, with plans for spent fuel reprocessing to recover nuclear materials and reduce nuclear waste.
In line with nuclear waste management principles, efforts are focused on reducing the nuclear waste burden through recovery of useful radioisotopes, volume reduction, vitrification of waste in stable glass matrices, and storage in engineered facilities under surveillance. For SMRs, the reprocessing technology will be tailored based on fuel configurations. The DAE possesses the necessary scientific and technological knowledge for SMR design and development, with most equipment manufacturable by Indian industries, supported by BARC’s technological guidance.
