**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 383, addressed on August 20, 2025, the Government of India, through the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has prioritized the development of small nuclear-powered reactors (SMRs) for clean electricity generation. As part of the Union Budget 2025, the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat was launched, allocating ₹20,000 crore for research and development in this area.
The DAE is currently developing three types of SMRs: (i) Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR200) for repurposing retiring thermal power plants and captive power plants serving energy-intensive industries (e.g., aluminum, steel, cement); (ii) Small Modular Reactors (SMR55) to provide energy for remote and off-grid locations, with the objective of decarbonizing the energy sector; and (iii) a High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor of 5 MWth capacity for hydrogen generation to decarbonize the transport sector and process industries.
The initial units of these reactors are planned for DAE sites. Subsequent units will be located at sites offered by end-user industries (for captive power plants) and at suitable brownfield sites associated with retiring thermal power plants, contingent upon regulatory approvals. The response did not specifically address potential locations in the Eastern region or a feasibility study for an SMR in Bhanjanagar, Odisha. The siting of SMRs will depend on proposals from end users and evaluations of brownfield sites.
Key Entities Referenced
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors: A type of nuclear reactor that is smaller and more modular than traditional reactors, intended for clean electricity generation.
Odisha: A state in the Eastern region of India, identified as a potential location for setting up Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs).
Bhanjanagar, Odisha: A town in Odisha, India being considered for a feasibility study for setting up a Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), Chatrapur: A public sector undertaking located near Bhanjanagar, Odisha. Its proximity is a factor in considering Bhanjanagar for an SMR.
Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat: A government initiative launched during the Union Budget 2025, with an outlay for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR200): A type of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) being developed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) for repurposing retiring thermal power plants.
High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor: A type of reactor with a capacity of 5 MWth for hydrogen generation.
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): The Indian government department responsible for developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.13833710
ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL NUCLEAR-POWERED REACTORS
*383. SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has prioritised the development of small nuclear-powered
reactors for clean electricity generation and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has identified potential locations for setting up of Small
Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) in the Eastern region of the country, particularly in
Odisha and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to conduct a feasibility study for setting up an SMR in
Bhanjanagar, Odisha considering its proximity (approximately 150 km) to Indian Rare
Earths Limited (IREL), Chatrapur and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, whether the Government proposes to evaluate such proposal as part of expansion
and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS
AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
* * * * *STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (A) TO (D) IN RESPECT OF
LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *383 FOR REPLY ON 20.08.2025
REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL NUCLEAR-POWERED REACTORS
ASKED BY SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI.
(a) Yes, During the Union Budget 2025 the Government launched the Nuclear Energy
Mission for Viksit Bharat, which included an outlay of ₹20,000 crore for research
and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Currently Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is developing following Small
Modular Reactors,
i. Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR-200) for repurposing of retiring
thermal power plants & captive power plants for energy intensive
industry such as aluminium, steel, cement etc.
ii. Small Modular Reactors (SMR-55) for providing energy for remote as
well as off-grid location with objective to decarbonise the energy sector.
iii. High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor of capacity 5 MWth for
hydrogen generation for decarbonisation of transport sector & process
industries.
(b),(c)&(d) Lead units of reactors are planned to be set up at DAE sites. The subsequent units
of these SMRs will be located at the sites offered by the end-user industry in case
of captive power plants and at suitable brownfield sites in case of retiring thermal
power plants, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
* * * * *
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