← Back

Wire · technology

Why India's private nuclear entrants prefer PHWRs over small modular reactors—at least for now

Published

22 August 2026

Topic

technology

Sectors

Energy Storage

Geography

India

Source

Read at theweek.in

Verified

Fusion42 · 22 August 2026 · Fusion42 review

India's private nuclear companies prefer starting with the indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology due to decades of domestic experience, an established supply chain, and regulatory familiarity. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) remain part of long-term plans but are deferred by private players until the sector matures further, supported by the SHANTI Act 2025 enabling wider private sector participation.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Energy Storage.

◆ The Wire takeaway

Private nuclear companies in India are backing proven PHWR technology to enter the market quickly and reduce execution risk. If you build supply chains or services around nuclear tech, focus now on PHWR projects before SMRs gain traction.

Coverage

1 source · 22 Aug 2026

Related on Wire

Topics

Energy Storagenuclear-powerindiaphwrsmrprivate-sectorregulation