BARC Assesses Sites for Small Modular Reactors in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Why in News?
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is conducting a site assessment in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 4 to 8 September 2026 for the possible deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The team is assessing potential locations across all three districts of the Union Territory. The exercise follows recommendations to explore SMRs to meet rising electricity requirements from major infrastructure projects.
Small Modular Reactors
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are compact nuclear reactors designed for smaller-scale electricity generation and modular construction. Their relatively smaller footprint and scalable design can make them suitable for remote or off-grid locations and specialised applications.
The Government of India is developing indigenous SMR technologies under the Nuclear Energy Mission. BARC is currently working on the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), 55 MWe SMR-55, and a High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR) of up to 5 MWth for process heat and hydrogen production.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Energy Challenge
The islands currently depend heavily on diesel generator sets, with fuel transported from the mainland.The proposed SMRs are being examined against the expected rise in electricity demand from large infrastructure projects. These include:
- International Container Transhipment Terminal
- Greenfield airport
- Deep-water multipurpose ports
- Other major infrastructure projects
The BARC team also briefed Lieutenant Governor Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.) about potential sites and the proposed SMR plan.
Great Nicobar Project and Strategic Importance
The Great Nicobar Project is expected to significantly increase electricity demand in the region. The proposed development includes major port and airport infrastructure, including the International Container Transhipment Terminal. The islands also occupy a strategically important position near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s major maritime chokepoints. Reliable electricity generation could therefore support both civilian infrastructure and strategic installations.
India’s Nuclear Energy Mission
India announced the Nuclear Energy Mission in the Union Budget 2025–26. The Government allocated ₹20,000 crore for the research, development and deployment of SMRs and aims to develop and operationalise at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033. India also has a long-term target of reaching 100 GWe of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
The Union Budget 2024–25 had earlier announced partnership with the private sector for Bharat Small Reactors, BSMR research and newer nuclear technologies.
Significance
The Andaman and Nicobar site assessment represents an important step in examining whether nuclear energy can support remote and strategically important regions. It also connects India’s SMR programme with energy security, infrastructure development and strategic resilience in the Indo-Pacific.
Small Modular Reactors in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Important Facts for Exams
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Bhabha Atomic Research Centre |
| Parent department | Department of Atomic Energy |
| Assessment | 4–8 September 2026 |
| Region | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Districts covered | All three districts |
| Technology | Small Modular Reactors |
| Proposed purpose | Meeting rising electricity demand |
| Major project | Great Nicobar Project |
| Strategic waterway | Strait of Malacca |
| Nuclear Energy Mission allocation | ₹20,000 crore |
| Indigenous SMR target | At least 5 by 2033 |
| Long-term nuclear target | 100 GWe by 2047 |
