Bhabha Atomic Research Centre making reactor for Navy’s next-generation nuclear-submarines

MUMBAI: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing a reactor that will help more than double the endurance levels of Indian Navy’s next-generation submarines.Confirming the development, a Barc scientist said on condition of anonymity – as the project is top secret – that the new reactor is “being developed for the S-5 class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and nuclear-powered attack submarines”.The enhancement comes against the background of China strengthening its sea nuclear deterrent.The new reactor is expected to generate 200 MWe (Megawatt electric) of power, the scientist said, adding it’s a big upgrade because the reactor on the current two N-submarines, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, has a capacity of 83 MWe. The third nuclear submarine in this class, INS Aridhman, is undergoing trials.The reactor now under development at Barc will provide a major operational advantage to newer submarines, such as greater endurance and longer submergence time.According to him, govt is focusing on design and development of nuclear submarines because of their importance in the nuclear triad; they provide a survivable and mobile platform for second-strike capability. The other two legs of the nuclear triad are the Army and the Air Force.Barc is also designing a light-water-based 200 MWe Bharat small modular reactor (SMR), a 555 MWe SMR and a High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor for clean hydrogen production by integrating it with a thermochemical plant, according to Atomic Energy Commission chairman A K Mohanty’s statement at the 69th conference of the IAEA in Vienna this week.