India is taking major steps toward small modular reactors, or SMRs, as part of its push to expand nuclear power. In early January 2026, reports showed the Adani Group in talks with the Uttar Pradesh government for a public-private partnership to build eight SMRs, each with 200 megawatts capacity, for a total of 1.6 gigawatts. This follows recent changes in law that allow private companies to enter the nuclear sector for the first time. Major firms like Reliance, Tata Power, JSW Energy, and others have shown interest in developing SMRs under the Bharat SMR initiative. The government has set aside 200 billion Indian rupees for research and development in the 2025-26 budget. India aims to reach 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047, up from about 8.8 gigawatts now. Achieving this will need huge investment, estimated at over 19 trillion rupees. SMRs offer a faster, more flexible path than large traditional reactors. They could power remote areas, industries, and even support military and space goals. Yet questions remain about costs, safety, regulation, and how quickly India can build the needed supply chain. This shift marks a turning point for India’s energy mix and strategic capabilities.
What Makes Small Modular Reactors Different and Suitable for India?
The International Atomic Energy Agency defines small reactors as those up to 300 megawatts per unit, about one-third the size of conventional ones. The modular part means components are built in factories, then shipped and assembled on site. This cuts construction time and costs compared to large reactors built entirely in place. SMRs use proven technologies like light water reactors, with some designs exploring fast neutron or molten salt types. Key advantages include smaller land needs, lower cooling water requirements, and reduced safety zones. Many designs use low-enriched uranium and have passive safety features that rely on natural forces like gravity for cooling, lowering accident risks. They can run for long periods without refueling and produce less waste due to higher fuel burn-up.
For India, these features fit well. The country has diverse needs, from powering remote villages and islands to supporting heavy industries in places like Jharkhand or Gujarat. SMRs could provide reliable, low-carbon electricity without long transmission lines. They are scalable: add more units as demand grows or remove them if needs change. Factory production allows standardization, which speeds licensing and reduces costs over time. India’s existing experience with 220-megawatt pressurized heavy water reactors already counts as SMRs, giving a base to build on. The government sees SMRs as essential to meet the 100-gigawatt target, since large reactors take longer to build and face delays. Private sector involvement brings capital, efficiency, and innovation that government agencies alone may not match. Early mover advantages for companies like Adani could speed progress. Still, initial setup for manufacturing plants is expensive, so producing many units is needed for economies of scale.
How Might SMRs Support Military Applications Like Submarines?
Nuclear propulsion began with submarines in the 1950s. The United States and Soviet Union led the way, using small reactors for power that lasts decades without refueling. This allows submarines to stay submerged longer and move faster than diesel-electric ones, which need air and frequent surfacing. Nuclear marine reactors differ from land-based ones in design for compactness and reliability under tough conditions. Only six countries now operate nuclear submarines: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and India.
India’s nuclear submarine program is growing but still developing. SMR technology could help advance it by providing compact, long-life power sources. Similar benefits apply to other military uses. The United States has pursued mobile small reactors for forward bases, with Project Pele aiming for deployable units by 2028. These could support remote radar stations or disaster relief. Russia has transportable reactors for Arctic military needs. SMRs offer dispatchable power that does not depend on fuel supply lines, which is valuable in border areas or during operations. For India, with its large armed forces and challenging terrain, such reactors could improve mobility and readiness. The technology also reduces the need for large fuel convoys. While proliferation risks exist, strict controls and safeguards can manage them. Military applications show how SMRs extend beyond civilian power to strategic defense.
What Role Could SMRs Play in Space Missions and Lunar Bases?
Nuclear power has supported space exploration for decades. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators provide electricity and heat for deep-space probes and lunar missions where solar power is unreliable. More advanced nuclear systems could enable ion propulsion for satellites, allowing better maneuverability and longer life. Nuclear-electric systems reduce satellite size while increasing payload options.
Russia and China announced plans in 2024 to build a nuclear power station on the Moon. The project aims for up to half a megawatt to support future bases, scientific work, and human habitats. It would operate reliably during the long lunar nights when solar power fails. Russia plans deployment by 2036, with China testing technologies through Chang’e missions starting in 2026. India has been invited to join and aims for its own Moon base by 2035. The United States leads the Artemis program, with crewed landings planned from 2026 and a permanent base in the 2030s. India signed the Artemis Accords as the 27th member.
SMRs fit these goals by providing compact, long-lasting power for remote lunar operations. They could support habitats, experiments, and resource use. On Earth, similar technology powers satellites. For India, advancing SMRs could strengthen its space program and international partnerships. Challenges include extreme conditions and transport, but the potential for reliable energy in space is clear.
What Challenges and Opportunities Lie Ahead for India’s SMR Push?
India’s nuclear sector opening to private players is a major shift. The 2025-26 budget allocates funds for indigenous designs, targeting five operational SMRs by 2033. Bharat SMRs focus on 200-megawatt and 55-megawatt units for commercial use. Government support, including possible reforms to the Atomic Energy Act, aims to speed innovation. Private investment could bring efficiency and faster timelines.
Opportunities are wide. SMRs support net-zero goals by replacing coal in industries and providing process heat. They balance variable renewables and power desalination or remote grids. Military and space uses add strategic value. Global interest, with over 80 designs in development, offers chances for cooperation with the United States, Russia, or France.
Challenges include high initial manufacturing costs, regulatory hurdles, licensing, and public acceptance. Safety concerns and proliferation risks need strong frameworks. Building a domestic supply chain is essential for cost control and security. Success depends on clear rules, private sector involvement, and scaling production.
India’s move toward SMRs links its clean energy targets to broader strategic needs. From powering industries and submarines to supporting lunar missions, the technology offers flexibility and reliability. As the government and private firms advance plans, the coming years will show whether India can overcome barriers to become a leader in this field. The outcome will shape energy security, defense capabilities, and space ambitions for decades ahead.
