Small Modular Nuclear Reactor

Small Modular Nuclear Reactor: The concept design stage of India’s proposed Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) has been completed and is awaiting approval.

• About Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMRs): Advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, about one-third of traditional reactors.
• Key Features:

o Small: Fraction of the size of conventional reactors, requiring less space.

o Modular: Factory-assembled units transported to installation sites.

o Reactors: Harness nuclear fission to generate heat and produce energy.

• About Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR): Each BSMR will have a capacity of 200 MW.

o Technology: Modified versions of India’s existing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR).

o Fuel: Powered by slightly enriched uranium.

o Developers: Jointly designed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

o Manufacturing: Equipment and components sourced from indigenous nuclear vendors developed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

o Applications: Provides captive power for energy-intensive industries like steel, aluminium, and cement → Supplies electricity to remote locations → Can be set up by repurposing decommissioned thermal power plants.