- The government is actively increasing nuclear energy capacity.
- Current installed capacity: 8.18 GW
- Target for 2032: Tripling capacity
Ongoing and Planned Nuclear Projects
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- 7.3 GW of nuclear power capacity is under construction.
- 7 GW is under implementation (at the pre-project stage).
- Total planned capacity: 14.3 GW.
Challenges in Nuclear Power Development
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- Site selection and land acquisition.
- Rehabilitation and resettlement of affected populations.
- Environmental clearances and regulatory approvals.
- High upfront costs of reactors.
- Dependence on imported nuclear fuel.
Government’s Shift to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
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- Due to limited large land parcels, the government is focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- Union Budget FY26 announced a mission to deploy 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.
Objectives of the Nuclear Mission
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- Provide a reliable alternative to fossil fuels.
- Replace retiring thermal power plants.
- Set up captive plants for energy-intensive industries.
- Supply energy to remote and off-grid locations.
- Decarbonize India’s energy sector.
New Reactor Technologies in Development
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- Bharat Small Modular Reactor – 200MWe.
- Small Modular Reactor (SMR) – 55MWe.
- Gas-cooled High-Temperature Reactors (HTRs) for hydrogen production.
Budget Allocation for SMRs
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- ₹20,000 crore allocated in FY26 budget for deploying 5 SMRs by 2033.
Addressing Private Supplier Concerns
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- A task force is reviewing the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to resolve issues raised by private nuclear suppliers.
Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR)
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- The Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) is a 200 MWe small modular nuclear reactor developed by India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
- It is part of India’s nuclear energy expansion plan to provide a clean, reliable, and decentralized power source.
Technology & Development
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- Developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.
- Designed for flexibility, safety, and efficiency, with a compact, scalable, and low-cost nuclear power solution.
Fuel Type & Cooling System
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- Uses Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) or Thorium-based fuel as its primary fuel source.
- Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU):
- Enriched up to 2-5% uranium-235 (compared to natural uranium at ~0.7%).
- Provides higher efficiency and longer fuel cycles than natural uranium.
- Thorium-Based Fuel:
- India has large thorium reserves, making this a sustainable alternative.
- Can be used in advanced nuclear fuel cycles for lower radioactive waste.
- Cooling System:
Uses advanced passive cooling mechanisms to prevent overheating and improve safety.
Key Features & Advantages
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- Compact & Modular Design: Can be installed in smaller grids, industrial zones, and remote areas.
- Lower Capital Investment: Reduces cost compared to large nuclear plants.
- Enhanced Safety Features:
- Passive cooling eliminates reliance on active systems.
- Modular construction ensures easy scalability and maintenance.
4Fuel Flexibility: Can operate on SEU for efficiency or thorium for sustainability.
Deployment Plans
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- Part of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy expansion by 2047.
- ₹20,000 crore allocated for the deployment of five SMRs by 2033.
- Will replace aging thermal power plants, provide energy for industries, and power off-grid locations.
Strategic Importance
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- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported nuclear fuel and fossil fuels.
- Climate Goals: Supports India’s net-zero emissions target and clean energy transition.
- Industrial & Defense Applications:
- Suitable for high-energy industries, remote military bases, and isolated regions.
- Potential hydrogen production using high-temperature reactors.
