India Develops Three Indigenous Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Designs to Power Industry and Hydrogen Future

In a decisive move toward energy security and industrial decarbonization, India is developing three indigenous Small Modular Reactor (SMR) designs that promise to revolutionize the country’s nuclear power landscape. The initiative is a key component of India’s clean energy transition strategy and is aimed at supporting energy-intensive industries, remote regions, and green hydrogen production.

The reactors are being developed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). They are designed to offer modular construction, enhanced safety, and flexible deployment, with all three having received in-principle approvals for construction.

Bharat SMR-200: Powering Industry and Repurposing Coal Sites

Leading the effort is the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), a 200 megawatt (MW) reactor based on India’s proven Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology. Unlike traditional PHWRs, the BSMR-200 is a compact version that will run on slightly enriched uranium fuel, enhancing fuel efficiency and reactor performance.

The first BSMR-200 unit is expected to be installed at a DAE site, with future deployments planned at industrial sites or decommissioned thermal power plants. Its primary applications include captive power supply to energy-intensive sectors like steel, aluminum, and cement, and electricity generation in remote regions.

Equipped with passive safety systems and engineered containment mechanisms, the reactor is designed to maintain stability even during extreme conditions. The estimated cost for the lead unit is around ₹5,750 crore (USD 665 million), with a construction timeline of 60 to 72 months post-approval.

55 MW SMR: Reaching Remote Corners

India is also developing a 55 MW SMR variant, derived from the BSMR-200 design. This smaller unit is tailored for deployment in remote or isolated regions that lack access to a reliable power grid. The first two reactors in this category are also planned for DAE sites, with commissioning targeted around 2033.

The design retains the safety and efficiency principles of the larger BSMR while being optimized for smaller-scale, decentralized energy solutions.

5 MWth HTGR: Fueling the Hydrogen Economy

Complementing India’s SMR portfolio is a 5 MWth High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR), designed specifically for hydrogen production. This reactor will supply the high temperatures required for thermochemical hydrogen production cycles, including the Copper-Chloride (Cu-Cl) and Iodine-Sulphur (I-S) methods—both developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

The HTGR is a strategic asset in India’s pursuit of a green hydrogen economy. The hydrogen produced will serve sectors like transportation, refining, and fertiliser manufacturing, enabling significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Notably, the technology for the HTGR and the associated hydrogen production processes is largely indigenous, with Indian industry already capable of manufacturing most components under DAE guidance.

SMRs vs. Traditional Reactors: What Sets Them Apart?

Unlike large conventional nuclear reactors, India’s SMRs are compact, modular, and factory-fabricated, allowing for easier transportation, faster assembly, and lower upfront investment. Their passive safety features significantly reduce the risk of accidents, making them ideal for deployment in populated or remote areas.

Moreover, their flexibility in application—from providing industrial power and supporting remote villages to producing clean hydrogen—positions SMRs as the future of low-carbon energy infrastructure.

Another major advantage lies in their ability to repurpose brownfield sites, especially retiring coal-fired power plants, thus ensuring a just energy transition and minimal land-use disruption.

Aligning with India’s Clean Energy Goals

These SMR projects are part of India’s broader ambition to triple its nuclear power capacity from the current 8,880 MW to over 22,480 MW in the coming years. The use of modular reactors is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the country’s net-zero targets, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels, and supporting round-the-clock clean energy supply.

By harnessing homegrown technology and manufacturing, India’s SMR development not only enhances energy self-reliance but also strengthens its position in the global nuclear landscape.

With the first demonstration units expected to be operational within the next six years, India is positioning itself as a leader in indigenous SMR development. The strategy blends technological innovation, industrial utility, and climate-conscious design, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable nuclear energy.

As global interest in SMRs continues to grow, India’s approach—focusing on scalable, safe, and multipurpose reactors—could well serve as a model for other developing nations pursuing clean energy pathways.