The government has allocated ₹20,000 crore under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 to accelerate the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The funding will support the research, design, development, and deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, the government informed the Rajya Sabha. According to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the initiative aims to strengthen India’s nuclear energy ecosystem while supporting long-term clean energy goals.
Three Indigenous SMR Technologies Under Development
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is currently developing three indigenous Small Modular Reactor technologies as part of this mission.
These include:
*220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)
*55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55)
*High-temperature gas-cooled reactor (up to 5 MWth) designed for hydrogen generation
To validate these technologies, the first demonstration units will be installed at DAE sites. These lead projects will help establish technical feasibility and operational performance before large-scale deployment.
Key Project Approvals and Clearances
Progress on the SMR programme is already underway. The BSMR-200 and SMR-55 projects have received in-principle approval, marking an important step toward implementation. In addition, the Atomic Energy Commission has cleared the proposal for administrative and financial approval of the BSMR-200 project, which will now be submitted to the Union Cabinet for final clearance. Meanwhile, for the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, authorities have prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The project has also received siting consent and environmental clearance terms of reference from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Indigenous Technologies and Industry Participation
The government highlighted that several critical technologies required for SMR deployment have already been developed domestically. For example, Indian researchers have developed Advanced Purified Reactor Vessel Alloy (ApuRVA), a specialised material used for reactor pressure vessels. This development was achieved through collaboration between the nuclear research community and Indian industry.
In addition, engineers have developed the control rod drive mechanism—a key reactor safety component—entirely in-house. Most of the equipment required for these SMRs can be manufactured within India, with technical support from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. As a result, the programme is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in the nuclear energy sector.
Roadmap to Achieve 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047
Alongside SMR development, the government has outlined a long-term roadmap to expand India’s nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission. Currently, India’s nuclear power capacity stands at 8.78 GW, excluding Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-I. However, several ongoing projects are expected to significantly increase capacity in the coming years.
Private Sector to Play a Larger Role
To achieve the remaining 46 GW of nuclear capacity, the government plans to involve public sector enterprises, state governments, private companies, and joint ventures. These projects will be developed using different business models and advanced reactor technologies, including SMRs. The move reflects a broader strategy to diversify investment and accelerate nuclear power deployment in India.
Timeline for Bharat Small Modular Reactor
The Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) is being jointly developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Once the project receives administrative and financial approval, construction of the first reactor unit is expected to take around 60 to 72 months. As reported by knnindia.co.in, as the programme progresses, SMRs are expected to play a key role in India’s clean energy transition, offering flexible nuclear power solutions that can support grid stability, hydrogen production, and long-term energy security.
