India Unveils Ambitious Plan for Five Indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033 to Boost Clean Energy

India is set to significantly bolster its nuclear energy capabilities with a strategic plan to operationalize at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. This ambitious initiative, announced by Minister of State for the Department of Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, in the Lok Sabha, is a cornerstone of India's broader Nuclear Energy Mission, which envisions achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. The mission, backed by a substantial allocation of ₹20,000 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26, underscores the government's commitment to energy security and a sustainable low-carbon future. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is at the forefront of this technological drive, actively developing three distinct indigenous SMR designs. These include the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) and the 55 MWe SMR-55, both intended for electricity generation. Additionally, BARC is innovating a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGCR) of up to 5 MWth, specifically designed for hydrogen production through thermochemical cycles, showcasing a versatile approach to energy solutions. The government's strategy for nuclear capacity expansion is two-pronged: it involves the deployment of large indigenous reactors, such as 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at greenfield sites, alongside the strategic development and deployment of SMRs. These smaller, more flexible reactors are particularly suited for brownfield locations, including the repurposing of retiring fossil-fuel power plants, providing captive power for energy-intensive industries, and supplying electricity to remote, off-grid areas. The recently enacted Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, further supports this vision by facilitating greater participation from both public and private entities in the nuclear sector, while maintaining stringent safety and regulatory standards. This comprehensive approach aims to solidify India's position as a self-reliant and globally competitive nuclear energy player.