India Reaches For Small Modular Reactors For Clean Energy Transition

The Department of Atomic Energy, in collaboration with Tata Consulting Engineers, is working to develop the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (SMR) by redesigning the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). The initiative aims for a high level of standardisation, enabling the reactor to be easily deployed in older thermal power plants, particularly those used in the cement, steel, aluminium, and copper industries. 

The ambitious goal is to construct 40-50 SMRs within a seven to eight-year timeframe. Achieving this target necessitates not only standardisation but also ensuring the reactors meet stringent safety and modularity requirements. Engineers plan to use advanced 3D design platforms to modify the PHWRs, technology that was unavailable when these reactors were initially developed 40 years ago. 

Last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the Union budget presentation, announced that the government would collaborate with the private sector to establish Bharat Small Reactors and conduct research and development on SMRs. This follows her earlier declaration that the government would partner with businesses to advance nuclear energy technology. 

Currently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India has constructed two 540-MWe, two 700-MWe, and sixteen 220-MWe PHWRs. By 2031-22, an additional 14 PHWRs with a capacity of 700 MWe each are expected to become operational, though they are at varying stages of implementation. 

Tata Consulting Engineers, which has been involved in numerous power projects and holds an 85 percent market share in nuclear engineering services, has a longstanding relationship with the Department of Atomic Energy. The firm plays a pivotal role in the development of SMRs.

Sharma, a key figure in the project, highlighted that the finance minister’s reference to SMRs in her budget speech underscores her strong support for the energy transition.  

Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, which are constructed on-site, SMRs can be built in factories and transported to their final location. Each unit has the potential to generate up to 300 MWe of power. SMRs are a flexible and mobile technology capable of being installed in areas unsuitable for larger reactors. They are expected to make a significant contribution to the energy transition phase, particularly in combating the effects of climate change.