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Small Modular Reactors: India’s Plan for Five SMRs by 2033

14 August 20261 min read
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYSmall ModularReactors: India’sPlan for Five SMRsby 203314 August 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The Government told the Lok Sabha about its plan for home-grown small reactors as the Nuclear Energy Mission begins.

About SMRs

AspectDetail
NatureAdvanced reactor with lower output than a gigawatt-scale plant
DeveloperBARC, Department of Atomic Energy
LawSustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025
OutputLow-carbon baseload power and industrial heat
BenefitsLower upfront cost, shorter build time, less land

How they work

  1. Fission of Uranium-235 and similar nuclei in a controlled chain reaction gives heat.
  2. Parts are made in factories and assembled on site, avoiding long civil work.
  3. Heat drives steam turbines or serves high-temperature industry.

Exam angle

  • Fuel example: Uranium-235.
  • Developer: BARC.
  • Targets: five SMRs by 2033; 100 GWe by 2047.

Test yourself

1. By which year does India plan at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors under the Nuclear Energy Mission?

Notes say at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033.

2. Which agency's definition says an SMR typically produces up to 300 MWe per unit?

The IAEA definition gives up to 300 MWe per unit.

3. Which body is India's nodal developer for SMRs?

BARC, under the Department of Atomic Energy, is the nodal developer.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 14 August 2026 (11 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizAugust 2026

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