India is currently developing three distinct types of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet its clean energy commitments and growing energy demands. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that these reactors are being designed and developed indigenously, including one specifically for hydrogen production, primarily for energy-intensive industries.
The three SMRs under development are the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR), the 55 MWe SMR, and a 5 MWth High-Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (GCR). The GCR will be dedicated to hydrogen production by coupling it with a suitable thermochemical hydrogen production process. Technologies like Copper-Chloride (Cu-Cl) and Iodine-Sulphur (I-S) cycles, already developed and demonstrated by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), may be used for this purpose.
"In-principle approval" has been granted for the construction of demonstration reactors, with construction likely to take 60 to 72 months after administrative project sanction is received. The lead units of the BSMR and the 55 MWe SMR are planned for installation at Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) sites, in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The estimated cost for the lead unit of the 200 MWe BSMR is approximately Rs 5,750 crore, based on the experience of setting up 220 MWe plants.
SMRs, with a capacity of up to 300 MW, are flexible in design and require a smaller footprint than conventional nuclear reactors. They can be factory-built, offering significant savings in cost and construction time. This makes them a promising technology for industrial decarbonization, particularly where a reliable and continuous power supply is needed. SMRs are also considered simpler and safer compared to large nuclear plants.
The development of SMRs aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision for clean energy transition and India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Nuclear energy, with its base load power capabilities, is expected to play a significant role in decarbonization efforts. The Indian government aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, with NPCIL and its subsidiaries expected to contribute nearly half of this target through domestic and international partnerships.
To promote SMR technology, the Indian government is exploring collaboration with other countries and considering private sector and start-up participation. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 are being examined to allow private sector involvement in SMR projects. The government is also launching a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) R&D Mission, aiming to develop five SMRs by 2033.
SMRs can be deployed in various settings, including industrial zones, remote areas, and hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel manufacturing. They can also be used for captive power generation, repurposing retiring thermal power plants, and providing electricity to remote locations without grid connectivity. Furthermore, Indian Railways has expressed interest in using nuclear power for railway network operations.
The development of SMRs is gaining momentum globally, with over 80 designs in various stages of advancement across 18 countries. As of June 2025, 19 designs have reached advanced deployment stages, led by countries like Russia, China, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Russia and China have already operationalized SMRs, including land-based and floating units, some with private sector participation.
India's focus on SMRs reflects its commitment to clean and sustainable energy. With strong government support, private sector involvement, and technological advancements, India is well-positioned to become a key player in the global nuclear energy sector. The 2025 budget includes an allocation of INR200 billion (USD2.5 billion) for the design and deployment of SMRs, demonstrating the government's commitment to this technology.
