Budget 2024-25 announced that the Centre will partner with the private sector to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs).
- This announcement marks a historic shift in India’s nuclear policy, as the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 did not permit private sector participation in nuclear energy generation.
- BSRs are aligned with global trends where Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention.
- Unlike SMRs, which are an entirely new concept involving factory-made, easily assembled reactors, BSRs are based on India’s existing Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor technology.
Small Modular Reactors(SMRs)
- They are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit.
Significance of the SMRs
- Reduced fuel requirements, require less frequent refueling, every 3 – 7 years, compared to 1 -2 years for conventional plants (IAEA).
- Saves construction time as prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured, shipped and installed on site.
- Eliminate or significantly lower the potential for unsafe releases of radioactivity to the environment.