Tata Steel mulls nuclear energy use to produce green steel

According to sources within the atomic energy industry, the company is assessing the feasibility of deploying around 200 Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), each with a capacity of 220 MW, totalling approximately 45 GW.

In her budget speech on 23 July, Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the government’s intent to collaborate with the private sector in establishing BSRs. While the global conversation revolves around ‘small modular reactors,’ India sees itself as a pioneer in this field, given that the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) has operated 15 pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) of 220 MW each for many years.

Recently, R. B. Grover, a member of the Atomic Energy Commission, informed local media that the 220-MW PHWRs are being upgraded, with the modified versions to be known as BSRs. The government plans to license this technology to the private sector.

Sources indicate that Tata Steel is likely to use electricity generated by BSRs to power electrolysers for green hydrogen production, which could then replace coking coal in steelmaking. However, the implementation of this plan would require amendments to the Atomic Energy Act to permit private ownership and operation of nuclear power plants in India. The government is reportedly considering the necessary changes to the legislation.

Source: Hindu Business Line