New Delhi: The Government of India has allocated ₹20,000 crore under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 for the research, design, development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
The information was provided by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, in a written reply.
The initiative aims to strengthen India’s nuclear power capacity, promote clean energy, and support advanced reactor technologies.
BARC Leading SMR Development
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is spearheading the design and development of several Small Modular Reactors under the mission.
The reactors currently under development include:
• 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)
• 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55)
• Up to 5 MWth High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR) designed for hydrogen generation
The lead units of these reactors will be set up at DAE sites for technology demonstration before wider deployment.
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Budget Allocation for Reactor Development
The government has outlined the estimated utilisation of funds for the development and construction of these advanced reactors.
Cost Outlay for Reactor Projects
Reactor Project
Cost Outlay (₹ Crore)
Development and Construction of BSMR-200
5,960
Development and Construction of SMR-55 (2 Units)
7,000
Design and Construction of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR)
320
Design, Engineering and Development for New Reactors
800
Civil and General Infrastructure for Reactor Complex
452
These allocations form part of the broader ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission.
Progress of SMR Projects
According to the government, progress has already been made in the development of these advanced reactor technologies.
Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)
The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) has granted in-principle approval for the BSMR-200 project.
The proposal for administrative and financial sanction has been cleared by the AEC, and it will be submitted to the Cabinet Committee for final approval.
Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55)
The SMR-55 project has also received in-principle approval, allowing further development work to proceed.
High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR)
The HTGCR project has made significant progress:
• In-principle approval received
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared
• Siting consent obtained
• Terms of Reference (ToR) received for environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Indigenous Technology Developed for Reactors
The government highlighted that several critical technologies required for the deployment of SMRs have already been developed indigenously.
A special material known as Advanced Purified Reactor Vessel Alloy (ApuRVA) has been developed in collaboration with Indian industries for forging reactor pressure vessels of BSMR-200 and SMR-55.
In addition, the control rod drive mechanism, a key reactor safety component, has been developed in-house by Indian scientists.
Officials noted that the majority of reactor equipment can be manufactured by Indian industries, with technological support from BARC.
Role of NPCIL in Bharat Small Modular Reactor
The Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) is being jointly designed and developed by BARC and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a government enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy.
According to the government, construction of the BSMR is expected to take between 60 and 72 months after administrative and financial approvals are granted.
Boost to India’s Clean Energy Goals
Small Modular Reactors are considered a key part of next-generation nuclear technology, offering advantages such as lower construction costs, modular design, enhanced safety features, and flexibility in deployment.
The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to support India’s clean energy transition, strengthen domestic nuclear technology capabilities, and encourage participation of Indian industries in advanced reactor manufacturing.
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