Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): India’s Nuclear Energy Mission

Learn about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), their features, benefits, safety, Indian development, SHANTI Act 2025 and their role in India’s 100 GWe nuclear energy target by 2047

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Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, the Government of India aims to develop and operationalise at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. This initiative is part of India’s broader ambition to expand nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047 and strengthen long-term energy security and decarbonisation.

What are Small Modular Reactors?

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors designed with relatively lower power output, smaller physical footprints and modular construction compared with conventional large-scale nuclear power plants.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) generally categorises SMRs as reactors with an electrical capacity of up to 300 MWe per unit.

Unlike conventional nuclear plants that are generally built as very large, site-specific projects, SMRs are designed to allow greater standardisation, factory-based manufacturing and modular deployment.

India’s Indigenous SMR Programme

India is developing indigenous SMR technologies under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) playing a major role in reactor design and technological development.

The programme seeks to leverage India’s existing expertise in nuclear technology while creating reactor designs suited to India’s energy requirements, industrial applications and diverse geographical conditions.

Legislative Framework: SHANTI Act, 2025

The development and deployment of SMRs is expected to receive greater institutional support under the SHANTI Act, 2025, which provides a framework for increased private-sector participation in the nuclear sector, including nuclear technology manufacturing and deployment.

This can potentially expand investment, domestic manufacturing capabilities and innovation in India’s nuclear ecosystem.

Key Features of SMRs

1. Smaller Power Capacity

SMRs generally produce considerably less electricity per reactor than conventional gigawatt-scale nuclear power plants. This makes them suitable for locations where a large nuclear plant may not be technically or economically feasible.

2. Passive Safety Systems

Many SMR designs incorporate passive safety mechanisms, including natural circulation and gravity-driven cooling systems. These systems can help remove residual heat without relying entirely on active pumps or external power.

3. Modular Construction

SMRs are designed around standardised modules that can potentially be manufactured in controlled factory environments and transported to the installation site.

This approach could reduce construction delays and improve quality control.

4. Lower Initial Capital Requirement

Because SMRs are smaller units, the initial investment required for a single module can be lower than that required for a conventional large nuclear power plant.

However, their overall cost competitiveness will depend on manufacturing scale, financing costs, regulatory requirements and deployment experience.

5. Scalable Deployment

SMRs can potentially be deployed progressively. Additional modules can be added as electricity demand increases, allowing greater flexibility in capacity expansion.

6. Smaller Land Footprint

Their smaller size can reduce the land requirement associated with individual generating units compared with large conventional nuclear plants, although the total site requirements depend on the reactor design and supporting infrastructure.

7. Industrial Applications

SMRs are not limited to electricity generation. Nuclear heat can potentially support desalination, district heating, hydrogen production and industrial processes, making them relevant to India’s wider clean-energy transition.

Why are SMRs Important for India?

India faces the twin challenge of meeting rapidly growing energy demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

SMRs could contribute to this transition by providing reliable, low-carbon baseload electricity alongside renewable energy.

They may also be particularly relevant for:

Decarbonising energy-intensive industries
Providing reliable electricity to industrial clusters
Supporting hydrogen production
Reducing dependence on coal-based power
Strengthening energy security
Complementing variable renewable energy sources
Expanding nuclear capacity through phased deployment

SMRs vs Conventional Nuclear Reactors

Feature	SMRs	Conventional Nuclear Plants
Typical unit size	Up to 300 MWe	Generally much larger
Construction approach	Modular/standardised	Large site-specific projects
Initial investment	Potentially lower per module	Very high
Deployment	Progressive	Large-scale installation
Safety	Greater use of passive systems in many designs	Mix of active and passive systems
Land requirement	Generally smaller per unit	Larger
Industrial applications	Electricity + heat potential	Primarily electricity, depending on plant
Scalability	High	Relatively lower

Challenges Associated with SMRs

Despite their potential, SMRs are not a technological shortcut to inexpensive nuclear power. Several challenges remain:

Economic viability: Smaller reactors may have lower upfront capital requirements, but their cost per unit of electricity can be affected by economies of scale.
Regulatory approval: New reactor designs require rigorous safety assessment and licensing.
Waste management: SMRs will still generate radioactive waste that requires safe handling, storage and disposal.
Fuel requirements: Some advanced designs may require specialised fuel supply chains.
Manufacturing ecosystem: The economic advantage of modular construction depends on achieving sufficient production volumes and standardisation.
Public acceptance: Nuclear projects require sustained public confidence regarding safety, environmental impacts and emergency preparedness.

Way Forward

India’s SMR strategy should focus on indigenous technology development, strong regulatory oversight, domestic manufacturing, fuel security and transparent safety standards.

A successful SMR ecosystem can also create opportunities for Indian engineering and manufacturing industries by integrating nuclear technology with the broader Make in India and clean-energy transition.