Archive · 3 Dec 2025
BARC Initiates Small Modular Reactor Development
The Indian government has started working on building small modular reactors (SMRs) through the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
These reactors include the BSMR-200, SMR-55, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for making hydrogen.
The government plans to build these reactors at Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) sites and expects to complete them within 60 to 72 months after getting approval.
They are also working with Russia’s Rosatom to develop these reactors and make equipment locally.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has asked for proposals from industries to use these reactors and has extended the deadline for submissions to March 31, 2026.
The government has allocated Rs 20,000 crore to build five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
Additionally, a new Atomic Energy Bill is being prepared and will soon be approved.
BARC has initiated design and development of small modular reactors (SMRs) including BSMR-200, SMR-55, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.
Demonstration reactors are planned to be constructed at DAE sites within 60 to 72 months after project sanctions.
Collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom focuses on SMR development and localization of equipment production in India.
NPCIL has extended the RFP submission deadline for Bharat Small Reactors to March 31, 2026, addressing industry queries.
The government has allocated Rs 20,000 crore for the development and deployment of five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
- Who
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Russia’s Rosatom
- What
- Development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in India
- When
- Project sanctions followed by 60 to 72 months for construction; RFP submission deadline extended to March 31, 2026
- Where
- DAE sites in India; collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom
- Why
- To advance nuclear energy technology, foster international cooperation, and meet energy demands with indigenous SMRs
- Organizations Involved
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Rosatom (Russia)
- Reactors in Development
- BSMR-200 (200 MWe), SMR-55 (55 MWe), High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (up to 5 MWth)
- Project Timeline
- 60 to 72 months after project sanctions for demonstration reactors
- Budget Allocation
- Rs 20,000 crore for five indigenous SMRs by 2033
- RFP Submission Deadline
- March 31, 2026
- Legislation
- Draft Atomic Energy Bill 2025 in advanced stage of processing
- International Cooperation
- Collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom for SMR development and localization of equipment production