Small Modular Reactors

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

What are Small Modular Reactors?

Small Modular Reactors 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 Small Modular Reactors

• Both public and private institutions are actively participating in efforts to bring Small Modular Reactors 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 Small Modular Reactorsare under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States of America.

Key Features of Small Modular Reactors

• Small size: Small Modular Reactors 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: Small Modular Reactors 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.