Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, and Others Eye Small Nuclear Reactors for Clean Industrial Power

India is making a major push toward clean energy by introducing a new line of small nuclear power reactors, called Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs). These reactors are designed to serve industries directly by replacing coal-based power plants with clean and reliable nuclear energy. In a strong sign of interest, major Indian corporations—Reliance Industries, Adani Group, Vedanta, Greenko, JSW Group, Hindalco, HMEL, and even Indian Railways—have responded to a government invitation to set up these reactors in partnership with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

The government’s plan involves the installation of two 220-MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) for each participating industrial site. These reactors will not be part of the national grid but will provide captive power—electricity generated and consumed by the same industry—making them ideal for energy-heavy sectors such as steel, aluminium, copper, and cement manufacturing.

This initiative is part of India’s larger strategy to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Nuclear energy, being clean and reliable, is a key pillar in this plan. India currently has 8.78 GW of nuclear power capacity, which it aims to expand to 22.48 GW by 2030 and to a massive 100 GW by 2047.

What makes these BSRs especially attractive is that they fall under the category of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These smaller, compact reactors are easier and faster to build, require less land, and can be placed closer to industrial hubs, cutting down transmission losses and infrastructure costs.

In this new model, private companies will pay for the construction and running of the reactors, while NPCIL will provide the core nuclear technology and technical oversight for a fee. This marks a historic shift—opening up India’s nuclear sector to private industry participation for the first time. The government hopes to have at least five of these small reactors operational by 2033.

Work has already begun. Land surveys and feasibility studies are underway at multiple industrial locations. These studies will determine which sites are best suited for deploying the reactors. Once approved, construction will begin, bringing India closer to its clean energy and industrial decarbonization goals.

There are also practical advantages for industries choosing nuclear power. As countries across the world impose stricter environmental norms and carbon taxes, companies using BSRs will enjoy a cleaner profile and reduced exposure to penalties related to carbon emissions. This can give Indian manufacturers a competitive edge in global markets that increasingly value sustainable production.

The strong response from India’s biggest industrial houses signals a turning point. Small nuclear reactors are no longer a distant concept—they are fast becoming a real, scalable solution for India's energy-hungry industries looking to transition into a low-carbon future.