Small Modular Reactors

Small Modular Reactors.

In a move towards expanding the footprint of Nuclear Energy, India wants to follow the approach of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

SMRs

• They are advanced nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, offering advantages such as simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• SMRs can be factory-made and transported to a site for installation.
• SMRs are economical and time-efficient, and unlike traditional reactors that require refuelling every 1-2 years, SMRs only need refuelling every 3-7 years.

Nuclear Power in India

• India has over 22 nuclear reactors in 7 power plants across the country which produce 6780 MW of nuclear power 
• India aims to raise nuclear power to 10% of its energy mix by 2035.

India’s Need for SMRs

• Very limited growth potential for hydropower because of conserving biodiversity, the costs of rehabilitating and compensating landowners and the seismological factors in the Himalayas.
• India has nearly 210 gigawatts of coal capacity, producing 73% of the electricity of India, which is not environmentally friendly.
• Wind and solar powers are intermittent or variable.
• If India hopes to achieve ‘net zero’ by 2070, it needs ~100 GW of nuclear power by 2050. India needs a portfolio of technologies (including SMRs) to make nuclear power safe and cost-effective (capital cost) over time.

Strategy for SMRs

• India’s strategy for nuclear energy transition involves transitioning from larger nuclear power plants to smaller ones, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 
• The government aims to engage the private sector through public-private partnerships to set up SMRs across the country. 
• The long-term goal is to raise nuclear power to 10% of India’s energy mix by 2035.
• Recommendations by NITI Aayog :
  • Encouraging private sector participation through public-private partnerships.
  • Implementing comprehensive regulatory changes to ensure safety standards and monitoring.
  • Modifying foreign investment policies to attract domestic and foreign companies for SMR development in India.

 Global Status of SMRs

• Worldwide over 70 SMR designs are under development in 17 countries e.g., S.’s NuScale Power company, whose 600 MW SMR plant design has been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Russia’s 77 MW SMR, Akademik Lomonosov, was operational as early as 2019.
• In the U.K., Rolls-Royce is setting up a manufacturing facility for SMRs.

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