BARC Developing SMRs to Repurpose Retiring Thermal Power Plants.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is advancing the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) to repurpose retiring thermal power plants (TPPs) and captive power plants (CPPs), Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh informed Parliament on Wednesday.

In a written response to the Lok Sabha, Singh detailed the initiative, highlighting the Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR-200), which will cater to energy-intensive industries such as aluminum, steel, and metals. Additionally, he outlined the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR-55) designed to supply energy to remote and off-grid locations, contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector.

The minister also noted the development of a High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (5 MWth) aimed at hydrogen generation, supporting the decarbonization of transport and industrial processes.

According to Singh, the lead units of these reactors are planned for installation at Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) sites, with subsequent units to be deployed at end-user industrial locations for captive power needs and at brownfield sites of retiring TPPs.

Addressing regulatory and legal aspects, Singh stated that committees comprising members from the DAE, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), NITI Aayog, and the Ministry of Law & Justice (MoLJ) have been formed. These committees are reviewing potential amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to facilitate private sector participation in the nuclear energy sector.

The committees are also tasked with evaluating waste management, fuel sourcing, decommissioning, and security safeguards. Given the complexity of these amendments, Singh noted that a definitive timeline for completion could not be provided.

India’s nuclear energy roadmap, outlined in the FY26 budget, targets a total nuclear energy capacity of 100 GWe by 2047. The government has earmarked ₹20,000 crore for the deployment of five SMRs by 2033.

Meanwhile, with the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) at Rawatbhata set to be connected to the grid on March 17, 2025, India’s operational nuclear capacity will reach 8,880 MW across 25 reactors. An additional 13,600 MW is under development, which is expected to bring the total nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.

HBL