India developing 3 types of small modular reactors, govt tells Lok Sabha

India is developing three different types of small modular reactors (SMRs), including one meant for hydrogen generation, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

In a written reply, Union minister Jitendra Singh stated that the three types are the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), the 55 MWe SMR (SMR-55), and a 5 MWth high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGCR) for hydrogen generation.

"Lead units of these SMRs will be constructed by DAE (Department of Atomic Energy) at its existing sites. Tarapur Atomic Power Station site, Maharashtra, has been identified for lead units of BSMR-200 and SMR-55, whereas the Vizag, Andhra Pradesh site of BARC is identified for high temperature gas-cooled reactor," Singh said.


While the development and construction of BSMR-200 will cost Rs 5,960 crore, SMR-55 (two units) and HTGCR will cost Rs 7,000 crore and Rs 320 crore.

The minister also said that BSMR-200 was being jointly designed and developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

"Estimated time for construction of BSMR is 60 to 72 months from receipt of administrative and financial approval," Singh added.

Currently, eight nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 6600 MW are at various stages of construction/commissioning, and 10 reactors (7000 MW) are under pre-project activities. PTI