India is developing compact nuclear reactors, including a 200 MW design, that could be installed on commercial ships or used at captive power plants for energy-intensive industries.
Sources explained that nuclear power is generated through nuclear fission, a process that produces heat, which is then converted into electricity. The new reactors are designed to be deployable wherever needed, including on ships.
Scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are currently working on two reactors, one rated at 55 MW and another at 200 MW, for sectors such as cement manufacturing.
Officials said that these Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR) meet high safety standards and could even power merchant navy vessels, while avoiding comments on potential use in nuclear submarines.
India currently operates two home-built nuclear submarines, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, both powered by 83 MW reactors, with a third, INS Aridhaman, undergoing trials.
The government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act
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