Mumbai: The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have released the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 300 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-300), marking another major step in India’s indigenous Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme.
The DPR was released on August 14, 2026, as part of the Department of Atomic Energy’s (DAE) efforts to advance domestically developed next-generation nuclear technology.
BSMR-300 has been conceptualised as a wholly indigenous Generation III+ Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The reactor is intended to complement India’s ongoing large nuclear power projects while also providing a potential captive nuclear power option.
BSMR-300: Key Highlights
The 300 MWe reactor represents a further development of India’s efforts to build indigenous small modular nuclear reactor technology.
Key details include:
- Reactor: Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-300)
- Capacity: 300 MWe
- Technology: Generation III+ Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
- Design: Wholly indigenous
- Programme: Department of Atomic Energy’s Small Modular Reactor programme
- Purpose: Complement large nuclear power projects and provide a captive nuclear power option
- DPR prepared by: BARC and NPCIL
- DPR release date: August 14, 2026
BARC and NPCIL Jointly Prepare BSMR-300 DPR
The Detailed Project Report has been jointly prepared by BARC and NPCIL, bringing together the country’s nuclear research and nuclear power generation capabilities. The development is part of the Department of Atomic Energy’s broader SMR programme and reflects India’s focus on strengthening its domestic nuclear technology capabilities.
The BSMR-300 has been designed as a Generation III+ PWR, representing an advanced generation of pressurised water reactor technology developed indigenously.
BSMR-300 to Complement Large Nuclear Power Projects
The BSMR-300 is being developed as an addition to India’s existing nuclear power expansion programme. While India continues to pursue large-scale nuclear power projects, the BSMR-300 is intended to provide an alternative option for captive nuclear power generation.
The project is expected to support the broader objective of expanding India’s nuclear power capabilities through both large reactors and domestically developed SMR technologies.
BSMR-300 Follows BSMR-200 Initiative
The release of the BSMR-300 DPR follows the formal initiation of BSMR-200 a year earlier. BSMR-200 is the first indigenous 220 MWe forerunner PWR and represents an earlier stage in India’s development of domestically designed small modular reactor technology.
The BSMR-300 programme builds on this ongoing indigenous nuclear technology development and represents a further step towards expanding India’s domestic SMR capabilities.
Senior BARC, NPCIL Officials Present at DPR Release
The DPR was released by senior officials from BARC and NPCIL in the presence of Mr. Vivek Bhasin, Director, BARC, and Mr. V. Rajesh, Chairman and Managing Director, NPCIL.
The development highlights India’s continued efforts to advance next-generation nuclear technologies and strengthen its indigenous nuclear power capabilities.
About NPCIL
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is a prominent Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Atomic Energy, headquartered in Mumbai. It is the sole body responsible for the design, construction, and operation of commercial nuclear power plants in India, currently managing a fleet of 24 reactors with a total installed capacity of approximately 8,180 MW.
About BARC
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is India’s premier multidisciplinary nuclear research centre under the Department of Atomic Energy. It conducts research and development across nuclear science, reactor technology and other areas supporting India’s nuclear energy programme.
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