Latest news with #BSRs
Mint
11 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Reliance, Adani, Railways, Greenko among participants in NPCIL's small nuclear reactor project
New Delhi: India's ambitious plan to set up small nuclear reactors–called Bharat small reactors or BSRs–for captive industrial use is off to a promising start, with major companies lining up to participate, according to two people aware of the development. Companies including Reliance Industries, Adani Group, Indian Railways, Greenko, Vedanta, HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), JSW Group, and Hindalco Industries have responded to a request for proposal (RFP) floated by state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for setting up two units of 220-Mwe pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) BSRs, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. PWHR is a type of nuclear reactor that uses heavy water both as a coolant and a moderator. The strategic move is aimed at helping the country achieve a net-zero carbon emission goal by 2070. While India currently has an installed nuclear power generation capacity of 8.78 giga watt (GW), the target is to develop 22.48 GW by 2030 and 100GW by 2047. 'Companies that participated are predominantly those who are large captive power plant users as that is one of the key criteria for NPCIL to select for the first set of proposals," one of the two people cited above said. 'The technology for setting up the BSRs will be shared by NPCIL." The land inspection for preliminary site feasibility is currently on, the people cited above said. According to NPCIL's RFP, whichMinthas seen, while the private companies will bear the cost of constructing and running these plants, NPCIL will receive a fee to run them. The plan is to operationalize at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033. Queries emailed to the spokespersons of Department of Atomic Energy, the Union power ministry, Reliance Industries Ltd, Adani Group, Indian Railways, Greenko Group, HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), and Hindalco on Tuesday remained unanswered till press of Vedanta andJSW Groupdeclined to comment. An NPCIL spokesperson in an emailed response said, 'The detailed RFP, various corrigenda along with pre-proposal clarification responses to queries received from various users are available in public domain on our website," and askedMintto refer to the same. Also read | India should keep all its nuclear power options in play Analysts say the time for nuclear power has come given its low operational cost. 'Nuclear energy provides high quality, reliable power at low operational cost. Historically, these advantages have been overshadowed by concerns over safety, capital cost, and fuel supply. However, surging demand from AI data centres and crypto, coupled with its unique low-carbon baseload capability apt for thermal plant replacement, has driven a resurgence of interest," wrote SBI Caps in a 30 April report. To be sure, the cost of nuclear power projects (NPPs) is higher than most other comparable forms of energy (except hydropower). NPPs have a capital cost of commissioning of around ₹16-20 crore per megawatt (MW), compared to coal-fuelled power projects' ₹9-10 crore per MW, and solar, wind and hydropower costs of ₹4.3-5.3 crore, ₹6.5-7.8 crore and ₹20 crore, respectively. However, the levelized cost of nuclear power is competitive when compared to renewable energy along with the storage component, according to the SBI Caps report. The RFP details According to the RFP, while the cost of construction, operation and decommissioning of these nuclear power plants will be borne by the selected user, they will be transferred to NPCIL for Re 1. However, beneficial ownership–right over electricity generated–will remain with the user. NPCIL will be the operator of the project, and the selected user will pay NPCIL for its expertise. The charges: 60 paise per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2030-31, which will go up by 1 paise/kWh per year. Also, the selected user should have 2,500 million units (MUs) of electricity requirement, a high credit rating, and a minimum net worth of ₹3,000 crore. Also read | Engineers India plans to expand footprint in thermal, nuclear power These plants will get the status of captive generating plants, with a proposal for amending the Electricity Rules, 2005, notified under the Electricity Act, 2003 being under consideration of the power ministry. Also, in case of users wanting to sell electricity to others, the tariff will be determined by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) as per the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. The process explained 'The project is to be constructed by the user under the supervision and control of the NPCIL, and on completion, the asset is to be transferred to NPCIL for operation," the RFP stated. 'Once the NPP under BSR project has been fully constructed, the entire asset will be transferred for (the) purpose of operation thereof to NPCIL under long-term comprehensive O&M (operations and maintenance) agreement." The first stage involves the user and NPCIL inking a non-committal MoU for carrying out pre-project activities, post which the user will approach the state government for reclassification of proposed land for setting up these nuclear power plants. Once the approval for the land's long-term lease agreement for 99 years to NPCIL is in place, a definitive agreement will be signed between the user and NPCIL. Also read | Budget 2024: Govt to rope in private sector to set up small nuclear reactors 'There will be a tripartite agreement between User, DAE and NPCIL for leasing of fuel and heavy water. All expenses for the fuel and heavy water are to be borne by the user," the RFP said and added, 'Fuel and heavy water will be supplied by the DAE to NPCIL under the tripartite agreement." Why small reactors SMRs are in demand globally given their smaller size and lesser land requirement. They are a focus area for the government and found special mention and allocation in India's previous two Union budgets. The full budget for FY25 in July 2024 proposed the government's partnership with the private sector to develop SMRs, while the interim budget in February 2024 announced funding of ₹1 trillion for research and development (R&D). The Union budget for FY26 announced a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission for R&D of SMRs. 'Development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for our energy transition efforts. For an active partnership with the private sector towards this goal, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be taken up," said finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech earlier this year. Also read | Oklo moves closer to build and operate micro nuclear plant for US Air Force Of India's fleet of 24 commercial nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8.78 GW, which are run by NPCIL, there are 20 PHWRs, making it one of the largest fleets of such reactors. India's small nuclear power reactors have been gaining traction globally, with the Indian government also exploring their supply to the electricity-starved African countries impacted by climate change affecting their conventional hydropower generation capacity, which was primarily dependent on the Nile, the Niger, the Congo and the Zambezi river systems as reported byMintearlier.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Eye on nuclear energy mission, NPCIL looks to speed up capacity addition
New Delhi: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) may soon seek approvals for 10 more pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each to be built in ' fleet mode ', said people aware of the development, underscoring the company's strategy to fasten the pace of nuclear capacity addition . The new units could be greenfield or brownfield, one of the persons said. NPCIL's move tracks the state-run company's aim to pursue the majority of the capacity building of India's nuclear energy mission. New Delhi is also looking to amend the Atomic Energy law to enable private sector foray into the strategic sector. Fleet mode refers to building multiple reactors of a similar design and configuration at the same time, or in a series. NPCIL did not respond to ET 's query. The latest plan adds to the company's ongoing development of 10 units of PHWRs under fleet mode including in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. NPCIL had earlier told ET it was aiming to achieve about half of India's nuclear energy capacity goal of 100 GW by 2047. The target may rise to 54 GW as per the roadmap discussions for 100 GW capacity, a second person said. India has currently installed nuclear power capacity of 8.8 GW from 25 operational plants operated entirely by NPCIL. The indigenous 700-MW PHWRs would be the company's mainstay, supplemented by large-capacity light water reactors with potential international cooperation. NPCIL is looking to commission multiple reactors, including PHWRs and LWRs, to boost its installed capacity to about 22 GW by 2031-32. With the addition of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) by 2035, the installed nuclear capacity will grow further, NPCIL chairman Bhuwan Chandra Pathak had told ET. PHWRs are developed in fleet mode to reduce costs, expedite construction, and leverage economies of scale.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Eye on nuclear energy mission, NPCIL looks to speed up capacity addition
New Delhi: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) may soon seek approvals for 10 more pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each to be built in ' fleet mode ', said people aware of the development, underscoring the company's strategy to fasten the pace of nuclear capacity addition . The new units could be greenfield or brownfield, one of the persons said. NPCIL's move tracks the state-run company's aim to pursue the majority of the capacity building of India's nuclear energy mission. New Delhi is also looking to amend the Atomic Energy law to enable private sector foray into the strategic sector. Fleet mode refers to building multiple reactors of a similar design and configuration at the same time, or in a series. NPCIL did not respond to ET 's query. The latest plan adds to the company's ongoing development of 10 units of PHWRs under fleet mode including in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. NPCIL had earlier told ET it was aiming to achieve about half of India's nuclear energy capacity goal of 100 GW by 2047. The target may rise to 54 GW as per the roadmap discussions for 100 GW capacity, a second person said. India has currently installed nuclear power capacity of 8.8 GW from 25 operational plants operated entirely by NPCIL. The indigenous 700-MW PHWRs would be the company's mainstay, supplemented by large-capacity light water reactors with potential international cooperation. NPCIL is looking to commission multiple reactors, including PHWRs and LWRs, to boost its installed capacity to about 22 GW by 2031-32. With the addition of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) by 2035, the installed nuclear capacity will grow further, NPCIL chairman Bhuwan Chandra Pathak had told ET. PHWRs are developed in fleet mode to reduce costs, expedite construction, and leverage economies of scale.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's nuclear ambitions: Can Bharat Small Reactors trigger a 100 GW chain reaction?
India's ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 is at a critical juncture. The nation currently operates around 8 GW of nuclear capacity, and while it has a planned capacity of 36 GW, only about 7 GW is under construction. The road to this massive expansion is filled with challenges, but the introduction of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) could potentially accelerate India's nuclear journey. The government has recognised the importance of nuclear power in achieving its net-zero commitments by 2070, and has earmarked Rs 200 billion for the Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to drive research, development, and deployment of BSRs. These reactors, being smaller and modular, promise flexibility in deployment across diverse terrains. They are also expected to be more cost-efficient compared to traditional reactors, making them an attractive option for private players. However, an SBICAPS report highlights that India's nuclear sector is plagued by prolonged construction timelines, often stretching to 10 years — far above the global average of 6.3 years. This delay is largely due to regulatory clearances, land acquisition challenges, and supply chain disruptions. The Rawatbhata project in Rajasthan, which aims to add 1,400 MW of capacity, has faced significant delays, reflecting the systemic hurdles in India's nuclear sector. Fuel supply is another critical issue. India's domestic uranium reserves are limited, and the country relies on imports for around 65 per cent of its nuclear fuel. "This dependence exposes the sector to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks. While the government has been exploring alternatives like fast breeder reactors using thorium, progress has been slow," the report noted. The Bharat Small Reactor program, as outlined by the report, is a strategic initiative designed to overcome some of these challenges. BSRs are expected to reduce construction complexity due to their modular design, allowing for faster deployment. The government's decision to involve private players in the development and operation of these reactors is a positive step, but it must be supported by comprehensive regulatory reforms. SBICAPS emphasizes that the approval process for nuclear projects in India remains cumbersome, marked by a high degree of bureaucratic oversight. This process must be streamlined, potentially through a single-window clearance mechanism. Additionally, private investors need greater clarity on fuel supply arrangements, as well as sovereign support for financing these capital-intensive projects. India's nuclear journey is at a critical crossroads. The success of Bharat Small Reactors could transform the sector, but only if the government can overcome the challenges of fuel supply, regulatory delays, and investor confidence. The next decade will be crucial in determining whether India can truly trigger a 100 GW nuclear chain reaction.
Economic Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
India's nuclear ambitions: Can Bharat Small Reactors trigger a 100 GW chain reaction?
India's plan to achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 hinges on Bharat Small Reactors. Despite challenges like delays and fuel dependency, Rs 200 billion has been allocated to boost nuclear development and achieve net-zero goals. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India's ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 is at a critical juncture. The nation currently operates around 8 GW of nuclear capacity, and while it has a planned capacity of 36 GW, only about 7 GW is under construction. The road to this massive expansion is filled with challenges, but the introduction of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) could potentially accelerate India's nuclear government has recognized the importance of nuclear power in achieving its net-zero commitments by 2070, and has earmarked Rs 200 billion for the Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to drive research, development, and deployment of reactors, being smaller and modular, promise flexibility in deployment across diverse terrains. They are also expected to be more cost-efficient compared to traditional reactors, making them an attractive option for private an SBICAPS report highlights that India's nuclear sector is plagued by prolonged construction timelines, often stretching to 10 years — far above the global average of 6.3 delay is largely due to regulatory clearances, land acquisition challenges, and supply chain disruptions. The Rawatbhata project in Rajasthan, which aims to add 1,400 MW of capacity, has faced significant delays, reflecting the systemic hurdles in India's nuclear supply is another critical issue. India's domestic uranium reserves are limited, and the country relies on imports for around 65% of its nuclear fuel."This dependence exposes the sector to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks. While the government has been exploring alternatives like fast breeder reactors using thorium, progress has been slow," the report Bharat Small Reactor program, as outlined by the report, is a strategic initiative designed to overcome some of these challenges. BSRs are expected to reduce construction complexity due to their modular design, allowing for faster government's decision to involve private players in the development and operation of these reactors is a positive step, but it must be supported by comprehensive regulatory emphasizes that the approval process for nuclear projects in India remains cumbersome, marked by a high degree of bureaucratic process must be streamlined, potentially through a single-window clearance mechanism. Additionally, private investors need greater clarity on fuel supply arrangements, as well as sovereign support for financing these capital-intensive nuclear journey is at a critical crossroads. The success of Bharat Small Reactors could transform the sector, but only if the government can overcome the challenges of fuel supply, regulatory delays, and investor confidence. The next decade will be crucial in determining whether India can truly trigger a 100 GW nuclear chain reaction.
