New Delhi — In a significant development aimed at advancing private participation in India’s nuclear energy sector, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has extended the bid submission deadline for its Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) initiative. In a corrigendum issued on June 25, 2025, NPCIL revised the last date for submission of proposals under RFP No. NPCIL/BSR-220MWe/2024/01 from June 30 to September 30, 2025.
The extension follows multiple requests from interested industry players and comes amid growing interest in clean, reliable captive power generation solutions.
A First-of-Its-Kind Model for Captive Nuclear Power
The BSR initiative marks the first time private companies are being invited to co-develop nuclear reactors in India. The proposal involves setting up twin 220 MWe pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), known as Bharat Small Reactors, at industrial sites proposed by the participating companies.
NPCIL will retain operational control, regulatory responsibility, and asset ownership of the reactors, while the industrial partner — designated as the USER — will gain exclusive rights to the net power output for captive consumption.
Financial Commitments and Long-Term Energy Security
Under the proposed model, the USER will be responsible for financing 100% of the project cost, which includes capital investment, operational expenditure, and reimbursement of all lifecycle costs incurred by NPCIL — from site assessment to decommissioning.
In exchange, the USER will receive assured, long-term access to clean electricity, net of auxiliary consumption, for captive industrial use — making it a strategic solution for energy-intensive sectors seeking stable, emissions-free power.
Eligibility Criteria for Bidders
According to the RFP, prospective bidders must meet the following criteria:
- A minimum net worth of ₹3,000 crore
- A minimum annual power requirement of 2,500 million units
The plant may be granted Captive Generating Plant (CGP) status, contingent upon modifications to the Electricity Rules.
Aligning with India’s Net-Zero Ambitions
The BSR model was first unveiled by the Union Finance Minister in July 2024 as a key element of India’s net-zero emissions strategy. The project aims to accelerate the deployment of clean, firm, and baseload nuclear power, particularly in sectors where renewable integration alone may fall short.
NPCIL emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s push to expand nuclear infrastructure by leveraging private capital and demand, without compromising on safety or sovereignty.
