India Nuclear News and Discussion 4 July 2011

[Amber G.]

Should be of interest to India:

ChatGPT said:

The U.S. Army has launched a new effort—through the Defense Innovation Unit—to prototype SMR's (microreactors) at nine Army installations by 2030. The initiative, called the Janus program, seeks commercially built reactors that can provide reliable 24/7 power, especially at bases with frequent outages, high electricity costs, or remote locations where fuel logistics are difficult. The Army argues that nuclear power may be the only practical way to meet growing energy demands while improving resilience against grid disruptions and attacks.

The selected sites include major installations such as Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Redstone Arsenal, Fort Wainwright (Alaska), and Joint Base Lewis–McChord. Companies will prototype a “first-of-a-kind” and then a “second-of-a-kind” reactor at each location under flexible OTA contracting. Beyond powering bases, the Army hopes this effort will help jump-start the commercial microreactor industry, standardize designs, strengthen the nuclear supply chain, and attract new engineering talent.

Link:Army issues solicitation, announces sites for nuclear-powered bases

[Amber G.]

In the news:
Shocking! Uranium found in breastmilk of lactating mothers in Bihar, infants at potential health risk

[Sanatanan]

^
The article says:

Dr Ashok Sharma of AIIMS Delhi, who is a co-author of the study, said, "The study analysed breast milk from 40 lactating mothers and found uranium (U-238) in all samples. Although 70% of infants showed potential non-carcinogenic health risk, the overall uranium levels were below permissible limits and are expected to have minimal actual health impact on both mothers and infants. The highest average contamination occurred in Khagaria district and the highest individual value in Katihar district. While uranium exposure may pose risks such as impaired neurological development and reduced IQ, breastfeeding should not be discontinued and remains the most beneficial source of infant nutrition unless clinically indicated."

[Font highlight, mine]

So, are the headlines in Tribune news paper meant to be sensational?

I understand Uranium salts dissolve in ground water under favourable environmental chemistry as it is said to happened at Oklo, long long ago. Perhaps in Bihar these conditions exist. Hope AERB will go "deeper" into it . Consumption of such water perhaps manifests breast milk too. Body fluids of other residents in that area may also show U at ppm levels if tested.

On the other hand, is there some sizable U mineralisation in that area not so far identified by our geologists?

[Sanatanan]

^
I recollect some years ago, a similar U contamination "scare" was created in under ground waters even in Punjab.

[Amber G.]

Ottawa close to uranium deal with India worth $2.8 billion, Globe and Mail reports

Canada and India are reportedly close to sealing a US$2.8 billion, 10-year uranium supply deal, which would give India a stable long-term fuel source for its expanding civilian nuclear-power program. The uranium would come from Canadian producer Cameco, and the agreement aligns with broader efforts by both countries to revive economic ties, including restarting stalled CEPA trade talks. For India, the deal strengthens nuclear-fuel security, supports reactor expansion, and diversifies suppliers, while remaining under IAEA-linked safeguards. Neither government has officially confirmed the agreement yet, but it is seen as a major step in deepening civil-nuclear cooperation between the two nations.

[Amber G.]

Aritcle in Yahoo finance : Better Nuclear Play: NuScale Power vs. Oklo

Key Points
NuScale Power is developing small modular reactors, and it has a system approved by the NRC.

Oklo is trying to use recycled fuel for nuclear reactors, but does not have a design formally approved.

NuScale Power is a better bet than Oklo, but both stocks are incredibly risky to own right now.

My take - for India - Plausible though optimistic.

It’s realistic: in the sense that importing or licensing an already-certified SMR design (if regulatory, logistic, and financial constraints are addressed) can accelerate deployment compared to designing a new reactor from scratch.

But it’s also optimistic — because it assumes that a technology that’s not yet commercially demonstrated anywhere will seamlessly adapt to a different regulatory, infrastructural, and economic environment.

NuScale offers one of the best-case blueprints for SMRs today — and if India to consider this route, it should do so with caution, rigorous engineering–economic analysis, and long-term commitment, rather than seeing it as a plug-and-play solution.

----
FYI - As of now, NuScale and Oklo, AFIK, have no visible connection to India’s SMR plans. The SMR push in India is driven mainly by indigenous designs or by foreign firms already experienced with Indian regulation (Russia, France). The only U.S.-SMR vendor with a known India link is Holtec — so far.

IMO - If India wants to maximize nuclear-waste efficiency, thorium-cycle potential, and build on domestic PHWR + heavy-water infrastructure, it may remain committed to that path — meaning U.S. light-water SMRs like NuScale may not be a natural fit unless broader strategic priorities shift.

[Amber G.]

^
The article says:

Dr Ashok Sharma of AIIMS Delhi, who is a co-author of the study, said, "The study analysed breast milk from 40 lactating mothers and found uranium (U-238) in all samples. Although 70% of infants showed potential non-carcinogenic health risk, the overall uranium levels were below permissible limits and are expected to have minimal actual health impact on both mothers and infants. The highest average contamination occurred in Khagaria district and the highest individual value in Katihar district. While uranium exposure may pose risks such as impaired neurological development and reduced IQ, breastfeeding should not be discontinued and remains the most beneficial source of infant nutrition unless clinically indicated."

[Font highlight, mine]

So, are the headlines in Tribune news paper meant to be sensational?

<snip>

I completely agree with your analysis. The key point — which most headlines conveniently ignore — is that the AIIMS co-author himself stated that all measured uranium levels were below permissible limits and that the actual health impact is expected to be minimal.

The “70% potential risk” figure comes from a very conservative modeling method (Hazard Quotient), not from measured toxicity.(the risk model (HQ/TDI calculation) is extremely conservative. These models often overestimate risk when the dose is near threshold.They’re designed to capture the “maximum possible risk,” not the “likely” risk.)

Geochemically, it is perfectly plausible that certain alluvial aquifers in Bihar mobilize trace uranium, just as has been documented in Punjab’s Malwa belt and in several regions worldwide with similar hydrochemistry. Groundwater → maternal ingestion → breast milk is exactly the pathway you’d expect in such settings. None of this points to industrial contamination or a hidden uranium ore deposit — just natural geogenic mobilization that warrants monitoring.

The Bihar data are indeed a bit higher than typical global breast-milk values, but still well below US EPA/WHO drinking-water limits, which makes the sensational framing (“shocking!”) misleading. Overall, it’s an important environmental finding — not a public-health crisis, and certainly not a reason to discourage breastfeeding.

So:
Is the Bihar finding serious?
- Yes — it signals a groundwater-chemistry issue that should be monitored.
Is it dangerous?
-No — concentrations are well below harmful levels and below US/WHO drinking-water limits.
- Is media coverage sensational?
-Yes — headlines implying a toxic-health crisis are not supported by the measured values or by the authors themselves.

Permissible Uranium Levels in Drinking Water (United States (EPA)/WHO/India) - 30 µg/L (micrograms per liter) ( Bihar breast milk level ~ 2–3 µg/L (Maximum: around 7–9 µg/L) MUCH lower to be health hazard)

[A_Gupta]

Does it indicate viable uranium deposits?

[Amber G.]

Does it indicate viable uranium deposits?

FWIW - my educated guess almost certainly is - No — these findings do not indicate the presence of a viable uranium deposit.

Elevated uranium in groundwater or breast milk usually reflects natural geochemical mobilization, not an ore body large enough for mining. ( Trace uranium in exit in ..
Gangetic alluvial sediments, ( and/or Fluvisols derived from Himalayan granitoids and/or U-bearing phosphates and ash layers and/orb High-carbonate groundwater

Anyway the concentrations are far below what’s needed for an economic ore deposit, and
the source is just trace uranium in granitic or metamorphic source rocks upstream.

This same pattern occurred in Punjab, where groundwater showed elevated uranium but detailed surveys by AMD and AERB confirmed no mineable ore bodies — just geogenic processes (oxidation, carbonate complexing, and leaching from sediments).

If Bihar had a major hidden deposit, you would expect anomalies in soil and rocks, not only groundwater consistent spatial clustering and much higher concentrations (tens–hundreds of µg/L or mg/L)

None of that has been reported.

So the data indicate natural groundwater chemistry, not a mining-grade uranium resource. The issue is environmental hydrochemistry, not mineral exploration potential.

[Amber G.]

Historic reform: PM Modi says India will open nuclear sector to private players. Why it matters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 27 announced one of India’s most sweeping energy-sector reforms in decades, declaring that the country’s tightly controlled nuclear power sector will soon open to private investment. Calling it a “historic shift,” the PM said the move will accelerate innovation, boost energy security, and position India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technologies.

[uddu]

PM Narendra Modi Announces Nuclear Policy Reset | #thehardfacts with Rahul Shivshankar | News18
In a groundbreaking policy shift, India has announced that its nuclear power sector — long dominated by the state — will now be open to private participation. This historic move, declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to accelerate innovation, boost clean‑energy capacity, and position India as a global leader in next‑generation nuclear technology.

[KL Dubey]

Historic reform: PM Modi says India will open nuclear sector to private players. Why it matters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 27 announced one of India’s most sweeping energy-sector reforms in decades, declaring that the country’s tightly controlled nuclear power sector will soon open to private investment. Calling it a “historic shift,” the PM said the move will accelerate innovation, boost energy security, and position India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technologies.

Specifically, he is referring to the Atomic Energy Bill to be introduced in winter Sansad session. FM Sitaraman had mentioned nuclear sector legal reforms in budget speech earlier this year.

[Amber G.]

Today in History - December 2- Nuclear Fisson

[Amber G.]

Russia to offer tech on small nuclear reactors
one link : https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/115113/

It will ihave specific proposal on Russian-designed SMRs. (as part of the 23rd annual summit)).
(Kremlin spokesman confirmed that Putin's upcoming visit to India in December 2025 (as part of the 23rd annual summit) will include a specific proposal on Russian-designed SMRs.

Rosatom, is ready to share its SMR technologies with India. Rosatom's head, Alexey Likhachev, is part of the delegation and will lead discussions on this. Russia already has operational experience with SMRs, including its floating nuclear power plant, the Akademik Lomonosov.

Also Rosatom is currently developing technical specifications for a new nuclear power plant site in India that will feature the advanced VVER-1200 reactor units.

Also Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) is being reviewed, with Units 5 and 6 actively under construction and pre-commissioning work underway for Unit 3..

The focus on SMRs reflects India's dual strategy to achieve its ambitious nuclear capacity target by deploying both large-capacity reactors and smaller, more flexible SMRs for remote areas and industrial clusters.

Many things to watch for....

Aso ToI story :
India to soon commission 3rd nuclear submarine with ballistic missiles

[Amber G.]

In another news:

Holtec gets $400M federal grant for small nuclear reactors at Palisades

- The two SMR-300 units are expected to add roughly 600 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity—on top of the 800 MW provided by the existing (restarted) plant.

-If successful, Palisades could provide a substantial amount of clean, baseload (reliable, 24/7) power to Michigan, supporting energy demand growth.

-The use of SMRs could accelerate deployment of nuclear energy in the U.S. m

- For some of us this illustrates real momentum behind new-generation reactor designs and regulatory/funding support.

-SMR-300 units still must receive full regulatory and construction approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) before they can be built.


- The economics and long-term viability of SMRs remain debated in the industry (costs, waste management, licensing, public acceptance — common issues with any nuclear project).

The fact that Holtec just secured major U.S. federal funding for SMR development (for sites like Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan) strengthens the company’s global SMR development program — which includes planned deployment of its flagship SMR-300 reactors in India. Earlier in 2025, Holtec received regulatory clearance from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) to transfer SMR-technology to India, enabling collaboration with Indian firms Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd. and Holtec’s own regional subsidiary Holtec Asia

[A_Gupta]

This is a GoI press release.
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: CONSTRUCTION OF SMALL MODULAR ATOMIC REACTORS
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage ... g=3&lang=1

In Union Budget 2025–26, the Government has allocated ₹20,000 crore for the design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to operationalise indigenously developed SMRs by 2033.

Under Nuclear Energy Mission funds, have been allocated for R&D of 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) which is in advanced stage of obtaining administrative and financial sanction.

BSMR is based on the proven pressurized water reactor technology. It will use Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) as a fuel. It has been provided with passive safety features as well as several engineered safety systems to ensure nuclear safety during off normal conditions.



Under the Nuclear Energy Mission, BARC has initiated design and development works on SMRs namely;

200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200). Lead unit proposed at Tarapur Atomic Power station site, Maharashtra.
55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55). Lead unit proposed to be constructed at Tarapur.
Up to 5 MWth high temperature gas cooled reactor meant for hydrogen generation. This reactor is proposed to be constructed at BARC Vizag, Andhra Pradesh.




SMR is a promising technology in industrial decarbonization especially where there is a requirement of reliable and continuous supply of power. Small modular reactors are being developed with specific objectives of;

Repurposing of retiring fossil fuel-based power plants,
Captive plants for energy intensive industries and
Off-grid applications for remote locations.


Small Modular Reactors can be located in brown field sites for repurposing of retiring fossil fuel base plants in off grid areas and as captive power plants in energy intensive industries where large plants cannot be located. They also enable reduce the construction time due to modular construction.

Government has announced to partner with private players for deployment of 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSR). Accordingly, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) within the existing legal framework, inviting Indian industries to participate in setting up of BSR for captive power generation, to provide a sustainable, low-carbon energy solution for industries, enabling them to decarbonize their operations.

Government of India has set the target of achieving 100 GWe installed nuclear energy capacity by 2047 to contribute significantly in achieving the target of Net Zero by 2070.

Safety including environmental safety is accorded highest priority in setting up of nuclear power projects. The construction of nuclear power plants is commenced only after obtaining environmental clearance from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) following the due process.

Waste management facilities are an integral part of the design and established along with the plants at the site.

Public awareness activities based on a multipronged approach to spread awareness about nuclear power projects and address any apprehensions in a credible manner are ongoing. DAE regularly organise public awareness programme for educational institutions and villages around the plant sites to spread awareness about nuclear energy and to eradicate myths.

[Amber G.]

@Guptaji^^^^ Thanks for posting.

IMO, This is the direction India needed to move in, and it aligns well with the trends we’ve discussed earlier here in BRF.

This is a genuinely positive and strategic shift:

- Real money + real timelines
(The ₹20,000-crore allocation signals that SMRs are no longer just conceptual. Setting a target of operational indigenous SMRs by 2033 )

A coherent portfolio, not a single experiment India isn’t betting on one design:

BSMR-200 (PWR-based), SMR-55 (smaller footprint), 5 MWth HTGR ( clean hydrogen)

This diversified pipeline spreads technological risk and serves different power/industrial use cases.

The fossil-plant repurposing angle is huge

(Retiring coal plants already have grid connections, and transmission infrastructure. Dropping an SMR in the same place reduces cost and avoids land-acquisition battles)

-. Private participation is a clear break from the past

(U.S.is trying with GE etc,)


The push toward 100 GWe of nuclear by 2047

India is finally treating SMRs as a strategic tool for decarbonization... If the BSMR-200 at Tarapur breaks ground on time, India could become one of the first to deploy SMRs at scale.