PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DEPLOYMENT OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS
Issued by Department of Atomic Energy
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Department of Atomic Energy on 5th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM), established in the 2025-26 Union Budget, aims to deploy at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to help achieve a 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047. Supported by a Rs. 20,000 crore budget, the mission focuses on the development of the BSMR-200, SMR-55, and HTGCR models with construction timelines estimated at 60 to 72 months post-financial approval. The SHANTI Act, 2025, further reforms the sector by enabling private participation and granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
Key Points / Main Content
Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM) Goals
- Targeting a total nuclear power generation capacity of 100 GWe by the year 2047.
- Development and operationalisation of a minimum of five indigenous SMRs.
- Provision of Rs. 20,000 crore for SMR research, development, and deployment.
Specific Reactor Progress
- BSMR-200 (220 MWe): Received administrative and financial sanction from the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and approval from the Empowered Technology Group (ETG); site approved at Tarapur, Maharashtra.
- SMR-55 (55 MWe): Received in-principle approval for engineering and construction; site approved at Tarapur, Maharashtra.
- HTGCR (5 MWth): Designed for hydrogen production; siting consent for BARC, Vizag has been received, and environmental clearance processes have commenced.
Indigenous Innovation and Manufacturing
- Development of "ApuRVA" (Advanced Purified Reactor Vessel Alloy) and specialized forgings for reactor pressure vessels in collaboration with domestic industry.
- In-house development of control rod drive mechanisms by BARC.
- Utilization of existing domestic expertise in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) for SMR manufacturing.
Legislative and Regulatory Reforms
- SHANTI Act, 2025: Enacted to allow private sector participation in nuclear research and peaceful applications under license while maintaining sovereign control.
- Regulatory Oversight: The AERB has been granted statutory status and has established technology-neutral safety requirements aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.
- Liability Reform: Introduction of a graded liability regime based on reactor power and facility nature to align with international practices.
Impact Analysis
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Impact BARC serves as the lead agency for the design and deployment of indigenous SMRs and provides technological guidance to domestic industries. Action Required Continue technical handholding for manufacturing and oversee the 60-72 month construction phase for demonstration reactors.
Private Sector and Domestic Industries Impact The SHANTI Act and reformed liability regimes open the nuclear sector for wider private participation in research, innovation, and component manufacturing. Action Required Leverage existing manufacturing capabilities to produce reactor equipment and seek licensing/safety authorizations for peaceful nuclear applications.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) Impact The AERB now holds statutory status, increasing its authority and responsibility for stringent regulatory oversight. Action Required Apply technology-neutral regulatory processes for the licensing and safety assessment of advanced reactors and SMRs.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Impact Responsible for the environmental oversight of new nuclear sites, specifically the HTGCR project. Action Required Evaluate and process environmental clearances for the HTGCR site at Vizag based on the issued Terms of Reference.