BARC Proposes 3,000-Acre R&D Campus in Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi: The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is planning to establish a major new research and development campus in Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing India’s efforts to advance nuclear science, reactor design, and clean energy technologies.

The proposed facility is set to come up in Anakapalli district and will span nearly 3,000 acres. As part of the project, BARC has approached the Andhra Pradesh government seeking approval to divert 148.15 hectares of forest land, according to documents reviewed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

An Expert Appraisal Committee under the ministry examined the proposal earlier this month and has recommended it for “in-principle” approval. This clearance would enable the diversion of the initial parcel of forest land required for the project.

Officials familiar with the development said that over 1,200 hectares, or approximately 3,000 acres, of revenue land has already been acquired for the campus. The forest land proposed for diversion is located adjacent to the acquired area and lies between the project site and the coastline, making it essential for completing the overall layout of the campus.

Once operational, the new facility is expected to significantly enhance BARC’s capabilities in nuclear research, advanced reactor development, and next-generation energy technologies. The project aligns with the government’s broader focus on strengthening indigenous nuclear innovation and expanding clean energy solutions.

Earlier this month, the government informed Parliament that BARC has already initiated design and development work on several small modular reactors (SMRs). These include the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor, a 55 MWe SMR, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor intended for hydrogen production. These reactors are planned to be constructed initially at Department of Atomic Energy sites for technology demonstration, with construction expected to commence after receiving necessary approvals.

The Centre has also underscored increasing international collaboration in the nuclear sector. Discussions have been held between India’s Department of Atomic Energy and Russia’s Rosatom to explore cooperation on both large-scale and small nuclear power projects. This includes the possibility of building Russian-designed small modular reactors in India and localising the manufacturing of nuclear equipment.

With inputs from IANS