What happened: SMR deployment plan under Nuclear Energy Mission, with SHANTI Act enabling private participation and AERB statutory safety oversight

The Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, states that the Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM), announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, aims to design, develop and operationalise at least five indigenous small modular reactors (SMRs) and to reach 100 GWe nuclear power generation capacity by 2047. The same communication describes Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) reactor development work for multiple SMR designs and hydrogen-capable options, and it connects deployment to the SHANTI Act, 2025 and AERB’s regulatory framework for licensing and safety oversight.

SMR projects named: demonstration reactors and in-principle clearances

BARC has undertaken indigenous development of SMR platforms for demonstration purposes, along with a hydrogen-related high temperature option. The announced SMR developments and current status include the following.

BSMR-200 (220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor): BARC’s progress includes an in-principle approval for engineering and construction. Administrative & Financial sanction is stated to be cleared by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and approval of the Empowered Technology Group (ETG) is stated to have been obtained. The approved site is Tarapur, Maharashtra approved by the AEC. Capacity augmentation to 300 MWe is envisaged based on experience of BSMR-200.SMR-55 (55 MWe Small Modular Reactor): BARC states that an in-principle approval for engineering and construction has been received. The AEC approved the site as Tarapur, Maharashtra.HTGCR (High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor): The HTGCR is described as having capacity up to 5 MWth for hydrogen production. BARC states that an in-principle approval for engineering and construction has been received. The proposed site is BARC, Vizag, and siting consent is stated to have been received. Terms of Reference (ToR) for obtaining environmental clearances is stated to have been received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

Background and earlier position: domestic capability, demonstration framing, and regulatory intent

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