India Launches "DARSHAN" Centre to Accelerate Small Modular Reactor Technology Development

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has recently officially launched the “DARSHAN” Centre, aimed at advancing the development of India's domestic Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. The centre will provide high-performance computing, digital simulation, and advanced engineering support for the indigenous SMR jointly developed by NPCIL and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

The “DARSHAN” Centre is an important milestone in India's advanced nuclear technology programme. The centre was established to strengthen India's autonomous capabilities in advanced reactor technology and to provide high-level engineering and analysis support for the indigenous SMR.

The centre is equipped with high-performance computing infrastructure and advanced simulation capabilities, enabling engineers and researchers to carry out complex engineering applications, thereby advancing India's indigenous reactor technology.

The main functions of the “DARSHAN” Centre include three-dimensional plant design, digital simulation, high-end engineering analysis, safety assessment, and advanced modelling and simulation. These functions will support simulation-based design and lay a solid technical foundation for the development of India's advanced reactors.

The establishment of this centre marks new progress in India's nuclear energy development and also signals India's future development potential in small modular reactor technology.

Through the “DARSHAN” Centre, NPCIL and BARC will be able to further enhance their independent research and development capabilities, accelerate the development process of the indigenous SMR, and contribute to India's energy security and sustainable development.

The commissioning of this centre will open up new paths for India's future development in the nuclear energy field and provide new ideas and experience for the advancement of global nuclear technology.

The centre will become an important platform for India in the field of nuclear energy technology research and development, and will also provide strong support for cultivating more nuclear energy professionals with specialised skills.