Indigenous large, small reactors spearhead India's nuclear expansion

R&D supports advanced nuclear reactors, fuel cycles, and green hydrogen production.

India has laid out its strategy to achieve its goal to develop 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy generation by 2047.

According to a reply to a parliamentary question, India’s Department of Atomic Energy said achieving the goal has a two-pronged strategy. This includes establishing large reactors such as 700 megawatt (MW) indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and large capacity imported reactors at green field sites for rapid expansion.

Also part of the strategy is building small reactors, such as 200 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) and 55 MW Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55), which are being designed & developed for brown field sites.

“Necessary technology for deployment of these reactors is available in the country and majority of equipment are within manufacturing capability of Indian industries with technological handholding by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC),” the department said.

“The mission is further supported by R&D with objective to develop indigenous advanced reactors comprising safety features, its fuel cycles and hydrogen production for decarburising transport sector & process industry,” it added.