The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has issued a tender for plant engineering and 3D modelling of its 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), marking a further step in India’s efforts to expand its nuclear power capacity.
The tender covers generic design and engineering for civil, process, mechanical, piping, electrical, control and instrumentation systems, ventilation and air conditioning, piping stress analysis, as well as 3D modelling. Based on the proven 220 MW pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) technology, the Bharat Small Reactors will accept bids until August 10.
The engineering initiative comes as India continues to implement the SHANTI Act, enacted last year, which for the first time permits private sector participation in nuclear power generation while limiting supplier liability. The legislation supports the government’s objective of reaching 100 GW of installed nuclear power capacity by 2047.
NPCIL has also sought proposals for the deployment of Bharat Small Reactors for captive industrial applications. At present, Hindalco Industries is the only company that has submitted a proposal under the framework.
Under the proposed captive power model, the participating industry will bear the capital and operating costs, while NPCIL will be responsible for reactor design, quality assurance, operation and maintenance. The industry partner will provide the land, cooling water and capital investment, and will retain the electricity generated after meeting the plant’s internal power requirements.
NPCIL stated that the twin-unit plant configuration has been designed to optimise land utilisation. Site selection will be based on factors such as geology, seismic conditions, water availability, population density and regulatory requirements to ensure long-term safety and reliable operational performance.





