DAE/BARC team conducts site surveys from September 4–8 amid plans to meet future electricity demand in the strategically located islands
New Delhi: A team from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) conducted site surveys in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from September 4 to 8, 2026, to examine potential locations for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Survey is part of an assessment of the possibilities for deploying SMRs in the islands, where future electricity requirements are expected to increase with major infrastructure and development activities.
The exercise also assumes significance because of the strategic location of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. Site assessment is an early-stage activity. It does not, by itself, indicate that an SMR project has been approved, that a specific reactor technology has been selected, or that construction is scheduled.
Assessing Potential Sites
Site selection is a critical stage in the development of any nuclear power project. For an SMR deployment in an island environment, the assessment would need to take into account factors including site characteristics, electricity demand, grid conditions, cooling-water availability, infrastructure, transportation and logistics, environmental considerations and regulatory requirements.
The relatively smaller generating capacity associated with SMRs has generated interest in their potential application in power systems that may not require the very large generating units typically associated with conventional nuclear power plants. For the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the question of matching generating capacity with the requirements of an isolated power system would be an important consideration in any future assessment.
Electricity Demand and Infrastructure Development
The islands are expected to see increasing infrastructure and development activity, which could translate into higher electricity requirements over time. Reliable electricity supply will be an important component of such development, particularly in geographically remote locations where fuel transportation and energy logistics can present additional challenges. Potential role of nuclear power in meeting this demand would depend on detailed technical, economic, environmental and regulatory assessments.
Strategic Significance
Andaman & Nicobar Islands occupy a strategically important position in the Indian Ocean. Any future development of major energy infrastructure in the region therefore has significance beyond electricity generation.
At the same time, the development of a nuclear facility would require compliance with India’s nuclear safety and regulatory framework, along with detailed assessment of site suitability, environmental considerations, emergency preparedness, fuel requirements and radioactive waste and spent-fuel management.
What Comes Next
September survey represents an assessment of potential sites rather than a final project decision. Further steps, if the proposal progresses, could include detailed feasibility studies, technology assessment, site evaluation, regulatory processes and consideration of the project’s infrastructure and financing requirements. Eventual selection of any site and technology would depend on the outcome of these assessments and the decisions of the competent authorities.
Implications for the Nuclear Supply Chain
Although there is no confirmed project or procurement programme at this stage, any future SMR deployment in the islands could involve a broad industrial ecosystem. This could include engineering and design services, civil and construction work, nuclear-grade equipment manufacturing, electrical and grid infrastructure, specialised logistics, operations and maintenance, and workforce development.
For companies tracking India’s emerging SMR programme, the Andaman & Nicobar site surveys therefore provide an early development to watch. For now, however, the key development is the site assessment itself and whether it progresses into a formal feasibility and project-development process.
Source- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-to-go-nuclear-barc-plans-small-reactors-amid-chinas-growing-indian-ocean-presence/articleshow/133864674.cms
