In a major technological breakthrough, India is developing compact nuclear power reactors of up to 200 MW capacity, capable of being deployed on commercial ships and industrial sites. These small modular reactors (SMRs) are being designed by scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under the project named Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR).
A senior official revealed that the reactors—one of 55 MW and another of 200 MW—can be used for captive power generation by energy-intensive industries like cement and steel. “These nuclear reactors are very safe and can even be used to power merchant navy ships,” the official said, while ruling out their use for defense submarines.
Currently, India’s nuclear fleet includes INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, submarines powered by 83 MW nuclear reactors, with INS Aridhaman undergoing trials. However, the new compact reactors are meant for civil and commercial applications, marking a new phase in India’s nuclear ambitions.
To further accelerate growth, the government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, allowing private sector participation in the civil nuclear industry. This includes permitting private firms to operate nuclear power plants, manage parts of the nuclear fuel cycle, and even import fuel from abroad under specific conditions.
Additionally, changes to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND) aim to define ‘supplier’ more clearly and cap the liability of equipment providers, encouraging global collaborations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a bold target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, a massive leap from the current 8.8 GW. The BSMR initiative could play a key role in achieving this milestone, offering India a flexible, clean, and efficient energy option for both land-based industries and maritime operations.
