PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION

**Executive Summary** The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has allocated ₹20,000 crore under the Nuclear Energy Mission for the research, design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is leading the design and development of three SMR types: BSMR-200, SMR-55, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for hydrogen generation. Lead units are slated for establishment at DAE sites for technology demonstration. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Budgetary Allocation and Scope:** * A total budgetary provision of ₹20,000 crore has been made under the Nuclear Energy Mission for fiscal year 2025-26. * This funding is designated for the research, design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). * **SMR Development by BARC:** * Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is undertaking the design and development of SMRs. * The SMRs under development include: * 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200). * 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55). * Up to 5 MWth High temperature gas cooled reactor (HTGCR) for hydrogen generation. * Lead units of these SMRs will be established at DAE sites for technology demonstration. * **Estimated Fund Utilization by BARC:** * Development and Construction of BSMR-200: ₹5960 crore. * Development and Construction of SMR-55 (2 units): ₹7000 crore. * Design and construction of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR): ₹320 crore. * Design, engineering & development works for new reactors: ₹800 crore. * Civil and General Infrastructure Development for reactors complex: ₹452 crore. * **Progress of SMRs:** * **BSMR-200:** In-principle approval received from the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). Proposal for administrative and financial sanction cleared by AEC for submission to the Cabinet Committee. * **SMR-55:** In-principle approval received for the project. * **HTGCR:** In-principle approval received. Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared. Siting consent received, and Terms of Reference (ToR) for environmental clearances obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). * **Indigenous Development and Collaboration:** * "Advanced Purified Reactor Vessel Alloy (ApuRVA)" and technology for forgings for reactor pressure vessels of BSMR-200 and SMR-55 have been developed indigenously in collaboration with Indian Industries. * The control rod drive mechanism has been developed in-house. * Necessary technology for reactor deployment is available domestically. * Majority of equipment will be manufactured by Indian Industries with technological support from BARC. * **Joint Development and Construction Timeline:** * Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) is jointly designed and developed by BARC and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). * Estimated construction time for BSMR is 60 to 72 months from the receipt of administrative and financial approval. * **Source of Information:** * This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. **Impact Analysis** * **Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)** * **Impact:** BARC is leading the design and development of multiple SMR types and will be involved in the technological handholding of Indian industries for manufacturing equipment. They will also oversee the establishment of lead units for technology demonstration. * **Action Required:** Continue with design and development works, secure necessary approvals, and collaborate with Indian industries for manufacturing. * **Indian Industries** * **Impact:** Indian industries will be engaged in the manufacturing of equipment for the SMRs, leveraging domestically developed technology and alloys. * **Action Required:** Collaborate with BARC and NPCIL for manufacturing of SMR components and equipment. * **Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)** * **Impact:** NPCIL is jointly designing and developing the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) with BARC. * **Action Required:** Continue joint design and development efforts for BSMR. * **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)** * **Impact:** The Ministry has provided the Terms of Reference (ToR) for obtaining environmental clearances for the High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR). * **Action Required:** Process environmental clearance applications as per the established ToR for the HTGCR project. * **Cabinet Committee** * **Impact:** The Cabinet Committee will review the administrative and financial sanction proposal for the BSMR-200 project. * **Action Required:** Review and approve the administrative and financial sanction proposal for BSMR-200.

Key Entities Referenced