Overview
- DAE outlined three indigenous designs: the 220 MWe BSMR-200, the 55 MWe SMR-55, and an up to 5 MWth high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for hydrogen.
- The Atomic Energy Commission granted in-principle approval for all three projects, and cleared the BSMR-200 proposal for administrative and financial sanction submission to the Cabinet Committee.
- The HTGCR has a completed DPR, siting consent at BARC’s Vizag site, and Terms of Reference from the environment ministry for the clearance process.
- Lead builds are planned at DAE sites with Tarapur designated for the BSMR-200 and SMR-55, while DAE estimates costs of ₹5,960 crore for BSMR-200, ₹7,000 crore for two SMR-55 units, and ₹320 crore for HTGCR.
- BARC and NPCIL are co-designing the BSMR-200, indigenous materials and mechanisms have been developed, PSUs such as EIL and BHEL have been engaged, and construction of the first BSMR-200 would take 60–72 months after approvals.