Daily Current affairs for UPSC : 6 Oct 2025/What is Bharat SMR Project?

Bharat SMR Project:

Why in  News? Reliance Industries Ltd., Tata Power, Adani Power, JSW Energy, and Jindal Steel & Power have expressed interest in the Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMR) programme.
• The programme is being developed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) under supervision of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• The states identified for the programme include Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
About Bharat SMR Project:
• The Bharat SMR project is a Government of India initiative, sponsored by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), under supervision of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• It aims to develop and deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India, with support from private sector actors, including Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, JSW Energy, and Jindal Steel & Power.
What are SMRs?
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Next generation nuclear reactors with a smaller capacity (30 MW – 300 MW).
• They are modular, cost-effective, safer, and designed to provide clean, round-the-clock power.
• Uses: Industrial sectors (steel, aluminum, cement, mining), replace old coal plants, and assist in decarbonization.

Key Features of Bharat SMR Project:
• Identified States: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
• Private Sector Participation: Companies will be involved in developing supply chains, financing, and operating reactors in CSA with NPCIL.
• BARC’s Participation: The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is developing indigenous designs.
• International Context: Only Russia and China currently have SMRs in operation. India aims to be in the global SMR supply chain.

Objectives:
1. Facilitate clean energy transition and reduce dependence on coal.
2. Support industrial decarbonization in hard to abate sectors.
3. Strengthen India’s role in terms of innovation in nuclear technology.
4. Participate in India’s Net Zero 2070 commitments.

Challenges:
• Unproven technology at scale.
• High cost, and financing issues.
• Regulatory framework – current nuclear law structure prohibits private ownership of reactors.
• Liabilities as per Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.

Way Forward:
• Amend nuclear law to facilitate private participation.
• Strengthen public-private partnerships for financing and R&D.
• Accumulate knowledge from the best practices globally (Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov, China’s Linglong One).
• Address safety, waste management etc.