India is setting the stage for a major expansion of its nuclear power capacity through the development of compact reactor technology and sweeping legal reforms aimed at increasing private sector participation.
Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) Initiative
India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is developing smaller, deployable nuclear reactors for commercial and industrial use, which are collectively known as Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR).
- Reactor Specifications: BARC scientists are currently developing two designs: one rated at 55 MW and a larger one at 200 MW.
- Deployment Versatility: These highly safe reactors are designed to be deployed flexibly, including for use in captive power plants for energy-intensive industries like cement manufacturing, and could also be used to power merchant navy vessels.
- Expansion Role: The BSMRs are anticipated to play an important role in meeting the country’s ambitious nuclear power expansion goals by providing scalable and flexible power solutions.
- Naval Context: India currently operates two home-built nuclear submarines, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, powered by 83 MW reactors, with a third, INS Aridhaman, undergoing trials.
Ambitious Expansion Target
The government has committed to a massive increase in the country’s nuclear power generation capacity over the next two decades.
- Target Capacity: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
- Current Capacity: This is a significant increase from the current operational capacity of 8.8 GW.
Key Legislative Reforms
To facilitate private sector investment and accelerate this expansion, the government is planning to amend two core pieces of nuclear legislation.
- Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962, Amendments: These proposed changes aim to allow private companies to take part in India’s civil nuclear sector.
- Private firms may be allowed to run nuclear power plants and handle the early stages of the nuclear fuel cycle.
- They may also be permitted to buy nuclear fuel from foreign countries, provided the spent fuel is sent back to its country of origin.
- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND) Amendments: These amendments are being considered to address liability concerns of suppliers.
- The proposed changes would limit the liability of suppliers of nuclear equipment, with the limits defined in the contracts between suppliers and operators.
- The amendments also seek to formally define a ‘supplier’ as a provider of critical equipment.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Marine Insight
