Powering the Future: How China, Russia, and India Lead the Small Modular Reactor Revolution for AI and Industry

China has taken the early lead in operational small modular reactor (SMR) technology with its ACP100 “Linglong One,” the world’s first onshore commercial SMR. This 125 MW land-based pressurized water reactor recently passed key installation milestones and is planned to generate 1 billion kWh annually, enough to power over 500,000 homes while significantly reducing carbon emissions. China’s modular design makes mass production cost-effective, and the reactor supports diverse applications including industrial heat and seawater desalination. The country is rapidly advancing SMR deployment to meet both domestic energy needs and export ambitions amid global competition.tradoc.army+1youtube

Russia is progressing with its Arctic SMR project featuring the RITM-200N reactor, delivering 55 MW electric and 200 MW thermal power. Situated in Yakutia, this land-based SMR is slated for commissioning in 2028 to support mining and industrial growth. Rapid infrastructure development, including new road access and worker camps, accompanies the project. Russia also plans to export SMRs, exemplified by agreements to supply units to Uzbekistan, and is considering expanding the Arctic site capacity. Russian expertise from decades of nuclear icebreaker operations underpins this effort.world-nuclear+2

India is advancing its indigenously designed Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), with concept design complete and expected construction and commissioning within 6-7 years after approval. Alongside the 200 MW BSMR, India is developing smaller 55 MW and 5 MW high-temperature gas-cooled reactors to supply off-grid energy and hydrogen production for decarbonization. The initiative is part of India’s target to reach 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, attracting private sector participation and repurposing retiring thermal plants for energy-intensive industries like steel and cement.asian-power+3

The global SMR market, valued at $6.3 billion in 2024 with expected growth, is increasingly driven by the surging electricity demand from AI data centers and technology infrastructure. These centers require stable, 24/7 power supply due to massive energy demands from advanced GPUs and AI workloads. Tech giants such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are investing billions to incorporate SMRs for dedicated carbon-free power, with about 22 GW of SMR capacity in development worldwide. SMRs uniquely provide scalable, grid-independent, and low-carbon energy solutions that align with both climate goals and AI growth demands, with first commercial units expected operational by 2030.introl+4

This article summarizes how China leads in SMR commercial deployment, Russia advances its Arctic SMR and exports, India pushes indigenous SMRs aligned with industrial decarbonization, and how global AI-driven energy demands are accelerating SMR market growth.youtubeetc.bellona+13