Particle.news
Download on the App Store

India and Russia Advance Talks on Small Modular Reactors as Rosatom Readies Proposals for New Delhi Summit

India is coupling prospective Russian collaboration with a ₹20,000 crore drive to field five indigenous reactors by 2033 to support a 100 GWe nuclear goal by 2047.

Overview

  • The Department of Atomic Energy said its meeting with Rosatom explored building Russian‑designed SMRs in India and localising equipment production.
  • Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev will bring cooperation proposals, including SMRs, for President Putin’s visit, with no final agreements announced.
  • Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, BARC is developing the 200 MWe BSMR‑200, 55 MWe SMR‑55 and a 5 MWth high‑temperature gas‑cooled reactor, with lead units proposed at Tarapur and Vizag and construction targeted 60–72 months after sanction.
  • NPCIL’s request for proposals to industry for captive Bharat Small Reactors, issued in December 2024, now has a submission deadline of March 31, 2026.
  • The government is preparing the Atomic Energy Bill 2025 to enable greater private participation as officials emphasize safety and note most SMR equipment can be manufactured by Indian industry.