India Developing 200 MW Nuclear Reactor to Power Naval and Commercial Ships

An official involved in the project said these reactors could be installed anywhere, including on ships, and would generate heat for electricity production. Scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are currently working on two models — 55 MW and 200 MW — that could also be deployed in captive power plants for energy-intensive industries such as cement manufacturing.

Boost to Naval and Merchant Shipping Power

The official added that these Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) are designed with high safety standards and will play a major role in expanding India’s nuclear power capacity. The reactors could also power merchant navy vessels, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

At present, India operates two indigenous nuclear submarines — INS Arihant and INS Arighat — each powered by 83 MW reactors. A third submarine, INS Aridhaman, is under trial. The introduction of 200 MW reactors would significantly enhance the power and speed of such vessels.

Private Sector Entry into Nuclear Energy

In a major policy shift, the government is preparing to amend the 1962 Atomic Energy Act (AEA) to permit private participation in the civil nuclear sector. The proposed changes would allow private companies to operate nuclear plants and handle parts of the nuclear fuel cycle.

Under the revised framework, private firms could import nuclear fuel and return used fuel to supplier countries. Amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act are also being discussed to limit the liability of equipment suppliers, defining them as entities providing critical nuclear components.

Nuclear Expansion Goals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, a sharp rise from the current 8.8 GW.

India–US Nuclear Collaboration

In a significant development earlier this year, the US Department of Energy (DoE), on March 26, granted approval to American firms to jointly design and build nuclear reactors in India. This marks a new phase in the India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement signed in 2007.

Previously, the agreement permitted American companies to export reactors and nuclear equipment to India but did not allow domestic manufacturing or design collaboration. The new approval paves the way for joint technology development and greater bilateral cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.