India is moving forward with the development of three types of small modular reactors (SMRs), including one specifically aimed at hydrogen production, according to a statement in the Lok Sabha.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh detailed that the three designs include the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor BSMR-200, the 55 MWe SMR-55, and a 5 MWth high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGCR) intended for hydrogen generation.
Construction Sites and Costs
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) will construct the lead units at existing facilities. The Tarapur Atomic Power Station has been selected for BSMR-200 and SMR-55 units, while the BARC Vizag site will host the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.
The estimated development costs are Rs 5,960 crore for BSMR-200, Rs 7,000 crore for two SMR-55 units, and Rs 320 crore for the HTGCR.
Collaborative Development and Timeline
The BSMR-200 is being jointly designed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre BARC and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited NPCIL. Construction is expected to take between 60 and 72 months following administrative and financial approvals.
Expanding India’s Nuclear Capacity
Currently, India has eight nuclear reactors under construction or commissioning, totaling 6,600 MW. Additionally, 10 reactors with a combined capacity of 7,000 MW are in pre-project stages, reflecting the country’s continued investment in nuclear energy infrastructure.
