Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has issued a request for proposals for the deployment of Bharat small modular reactors, opening the doors of the nuclear sector to Indian private companies for the first time.

Until now, only state-owned NPCIL has been allowed to build and deploy commercial nuclear power plants in India.

The proposal would allow private companies to build reactors under NPCIL’s control and supervision. On completion, the plant would be operated by NPCIL under a long-term operation and maintenance agreement.

NPCIL said the request for proposals said was in line with major initiatives for the development of nuclear energy including plans to bring in the private sector to help state corporations develop and deploy the indigenous 220-MW Bharat SMR technology.