Bharat Small Reactors to Boost India’s Nuclear Energy Capabilities

New Delhi: To boost the country’s nuclear energy capabilities, India plans to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), informed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget 2024 speech.

Bharat Small Reactors are to be set up under the partnership of the government with the private sector. This partnership will also conduct research and development on small modular reactors and newer nuclear technologies.

This is a major change in India’s nuclear policy, as the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 did not permit private sector participation in nuclear energy generation. This change is expected to bring in growth of nuclear power in India.

BSRs in comparison to conventional large-scale nuclear plants are more flexible in terms of siting, can be deployed faster, and are potentially more cost-effective.

These reactors could be particularly useful for providing power to remote areas. They can be captive power units for large industries like cement and steel.

According to experts, the government will have to create new policies and legal frameworks to enable private sector participation in nuclear energy generation.

The safety concerns, management of nuclear waste effectively, and to ensure that the development of BSRs aligns with the country’s broader energy and environmental goals are also to be thought of.