Small Modular Reactors

India’s plans to enter the manufacturing value chain of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining momentum.

What is an SMR?

• SMRs are small nuclear reactors that offer a power output of 30-300 MWe per unit.
• They  harness nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
• SMRs have the potential to provide a reliable and low-carbon source of electricity, complementing renewable energy sources.

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Status of SMRs

• Both public and private institutions are actively participating in efforts to bring SMR technology to fruition within this decade. 
• Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first floating nuclear power plant that began commercial operation in May 2020, is producing energy from two 35 MW(e) SMRs. 
• Other SMRs are under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States of America.

Key Features of SMRs

• Small size: SMRs are significantly smaller than conventional reactors, reducing construction and operational costs.
• Modular design: SMRs can be factory-assembled and transported to the site, streamlining installation and reducing construction time.
• Reduced land requirements: SMRs generate less nuclear waste and can be safely operated in existing industrial sites, minimising land acquisition challenges.
• Reduced reliance on critical minerals: SMRs require low-enriched uranium, which is more widely available than critical minerals used in other energy technologies.

Benefits of SMRs

• Reduced construction time and cost: SMRs can be factory-assembled and transported to the site, streamlining the construction process.
• Enhanced safety: SMRs incorporate advanced safety features, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Increased flexibility: SMRs can be deployed in various locations, including remote areas and industrial sites.
• Reduced environmental impact: SMRs generate less nuclear waste and have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional reactors.

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Integration with India’s energy strategy

• Net-zero emissions: SMRs can contribute to India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Enhanced energy security: SMRs can diversify India’s energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Grid stability: SMRs can provide a reliable and dispatchable source of electricity, improving grid stability.

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