**Summary:**
The Indian Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is actively pursuing indigenous Research and Development (R&D) of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies, with a target for commercialization by 2030. This initiative, spearheaded by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), aims to enhance India's nuclear energy capacity under the Nuclear Energy Mission. The primary focus is on three reactor designs: the Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) – 220 MWe PHWR, the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) – 200 MWe PWR, and a Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55) – 55 MWe PWR. These SMRs are intended for repurposing retiring fossil fuel-based power plants, serving as captive plants for energy-intensive industries, and providing off-grid power solutions for remote locations. The conceptual and detailed designs for these reactors are in advanced stages. While the development is primarily indigenous, BARC participates in national and international nuclear reactor technology meetings and collaborates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for knowledge sharing and capacity building. The deployment plan includes establishing lead units of the SMR-55 and BSMR-200 at DAE sites for technology demonstration. Construction of these demonstration reactors is projected to take 60 to 72 months following project sanction. The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, provided this information in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1761 on July 30, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Small Modular Reactors: A type of nuclear reactor that is smaller than traditional reactors and can be manufactured in a factory and transported to a site for installation.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre: An Indian nuclear research facility.
Department of Atomic Energy: The department of the Government of India responsible for nuclear technology.
Nuclear Energy Mission: An initiative to enhance India's nuclear energy capacity.
Bharat Small Reactor 220 MWe PHWR: An indigenously designed Small Modular Reactor with 220 MWe capacity of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor type.
Bharat Small Modular Reactor BSMR 200 MWe PWR: An indigenously designed Small Modular Reactor with 200 MWe capacity of Pressurized Water Reactor type.
Small Modular Reactor SMR55 MWe PWR: An indigenously designed Small Modular Reactor with 55 MWe capacity of Pressurized Water Reactor type.
International Atomic Energy Agency: An international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for military purposes.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO –1761
ANSWERED ON 30/07/2025
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOR SMALL MODULAR REACTORS
1761. SHRI DHAVAL LAXMANBHAI PATEL
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-
(a) the current status of institutional Research and Development for Small Modular
Reactors(SMRs) technologies targeting commercialisation by 2030 along with the
progress of international collaborations (e.g. IAEA, US, UK); and
(b) the expected deployment plan and regulatory approvals by 2035?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS
AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are being designed and developed by Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy
(DAE). SMRs are considered for deployment in brown field sites as a part of Nuclear
Energy Mission to enhance India’s nuclear energy capacity. These reactors are
Bharat Small Reactor (220 MWe PHWR), Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-
200 MWe PWR) and Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55 MWe PWR) which are being
indigenously designed & developed with an objective of repurposing of retiring fossil
fuel-based power plants, captive plants for energy intensive industries and off-grid
applications for remote locations.
Conceptual and detailed designs for these reactors are at advanced stage. Prototype
demonstration reactors establish technology readiness for design, construction, and
operation.
In view of the available in-house expertise and know-how of technologies being
developed, no collaboration has been envisaged. However, BARC participates innational & international meetings on nuclear reactor technologies for knowledge
sharing, and as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), India
regularly participates in IAEA technical events for capacity building.
(b) It is planned to establish lead units of SMR-55 and BSMR 200 MWe at DAE sites for
technology demonstration. These demonstration reactors are likely to be constructed
in 60 to 72 months after receipt of project sanctions.
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