Q. With reference to the Thorium-Based Small Modular Reactor (SMR), consider the following statements:
1. India has an already working Thorium-Based SMR in the state of Maharashtra.
2. It produces much less radioactive nuclear waste than an SMR based on Uranium.
3. India targets at least five indigenously designed operational Thorium-Based SMRs by 2033 under its Nuclear Energy Mission.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct
Statement 1 is incorrect: Thorium-based SMRs are still in testing phase with no active deployment worldwide.
Statement 2 is correct: Advantages of Thorium based SMR: It is difficult to weaponise them. They also produce less nuclear waste. A major benefit is that India has sizable thorium reserves, thus ensuring greater energy security by reducing dependence on imports for other fissile materials like uranium.
Statement 3 is correct: The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors under Nuclear Energy Mission, targeting at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033. This aligns with India’s target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047.
Source: DH
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