Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033

• Target: India aims to develop and operationalise at least 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033 under the Nuclear Energy Mission.
• Budget: ₹20,000 crore has been allocated for the research, design, development and deployment of SMRs.
• Developed by: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under the Department of Atomic Energy.
• BSMR-200: 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor — suitable for repurposing retiring fossil-fuel power plants and captive power for energy-intensive industries.
• SMR-55: 55 MWe SMR — intended for remote and off-grid locations.
• HTGCR: Up to 5 MWth High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor — intended for hydrogen production.
• Broader target: The Nuclear Energy Mission aims for 100 GWe of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Prelims MCQ

Q. With reference to India’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme, consider the following statements:

1. India aims to operationalise at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
2. ₹20,000 crore has been allocated for their research, design, development and deployment.
3. BARC is developing the 220 MWe BSMR-200 and 55 MWe SMR-55.
4. The SMR programme is completely separate from the Nuclear Energy Mission.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation: India’s Nuclear Energy Mission targets at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033, supported by an allocation of ₹20,000 crore. BARC is developing BSMR-200, SMR-55 and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Therefore, statement 4 is incorrect.