‘Small modular nuclear reactor design completed’

• The “concept design” stage of India’s proposed BSMR is being completed and is currently being approved.

• The reactor will take 60 to 72 months to construct once sanctioned.

• BSMRs are modified versions of India’s existing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PWHR) with a capacity of 200 MW each.

• The reactors are jointly designed and developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.

• Manufacturing and delivery of equipment and components will be handled by indigenous nuclear vendors.

• The BSMRs will be used by energy-intensive industries like steel, aluminium, and cement for captive power and can be set up by repurposing decommissioned thermal power plants.

• The government plans to partner with the private sector for setting up BSRs, BSMRs, and new nuclear energy technologies.