Land requirement for small N-reactor could be reduced by a third: DAE, Pg17

Key Highlights:

• The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) informed Parliament that land requirements for 220-megawatt electric (MWe) small nuclear reactor units could be reduced by over two-thirds.
• The current typical land use of 330 hectares for 2x220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) could potentially be reduced to 90 hectares.
• The government is considering a proposal to reduce the exclusion zone around future nuclear plants, with in-principle agreement from AERB and DAE.
• India aims to bring at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into operation by 2033.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) for 220 MWe Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), with Hindalco Industries Ltd. submitting a proposal.

Detailed Insights:

• The proposed reduction in land usage is contingent upon a thorough radiological impact assessment.
• The civil nuclear power sector was opened to private participation last year, attracting interest from global technology suppliers.
• Currently, nuclear reactors in India require a minimum exclusion zone of approximately 1-km radius, prohibiting habitation or economic activity.
• The proposal suggests reducing the exclusion zone for 700 MWe reactors from 1 km to 700 meters, and for 220 MWe reactors to 500 meters.
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is actively developing a 220-MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor, a 55-MWe SMR-55, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for hydrogen production.
• NPCIL conducted a pre-proposal meeting in February 2025, which saw participation from delegates representing 27 industries.
• While several major industries initially showed interest, Hindalco Industries Ltd. was the sole entity to submit a proposal to NPCIL for the 220 MWe BSR.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller than conventional reactors, designed for factory fabrication and modular construction.
• Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs): A type of nuclear power reactor that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as its coolant and neutron moderator.
• Exclusion Zone: A designated area around a nuclear facility where public access and habitation are restricted to ensure safety and security.
• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): The nodal government department in India responsible for nuclear power generation, research, and development.
• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): An independent regulatory body in India tasked with ensuring safety and radiation protection in nuclear and radiation facilities.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL): A Public Sector Undertaking under the DAE, responsible for the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of nuclear power plants in India.