News: Russian nuclear company Rosatom is set to promote its small modular reactors (SMRs) for specific applications in India, while also positioning its new-generation nuclear projects as the foundation of bilateral energy cooperation.
About Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a smaller power capacity (up to 300 MW(e) per unit) compared to traditional nuclear power reactors.
- They are designed to provide a more flexible, safe, and cost-effective solution for energy generation, with applications ranging from industrial use to providing power in remote regions.
- Features of SMRs
- Small size: SMRs are compact and can be deployed in areas unsuitable for larger reactors.
- Modular design: They are prefabricated and shipped as units, simplifying installation.
- Scalability: SMRs can be deployed incrementally as energy demand increases.
- Passive safety: They rely on natural processes like gravity and convection for safety.
- Fuel efficiency: SMRs can operate for up to 30 years without refueling, compared to 1-2 years for conventional reactors.
- Advantages of SMRs
- Cost-effective: SMRs are cheaper to build and maintain due to their smaller size and modular design.
- Flexible deployment: They can be deployed in remote areas or regions with limited grid infrastructure.
- Safety: Passive safety systems reduce the risk of accidents and radioactive releases.
- Quick installation: The modular nature allows for faster deployment compared to traditional nuclear plants.
- Environmental benefits: SMRs produce low-carbon energy, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Integration with Renewables: SMRs can complement renewable energy sources by providing stable, dispatchable power.
- Limitations of SMRs
- Technology Choice: Numerous evolving SMR designs may lead to regulatory challenges and hinder cost optimization.
- Finance: The SMR industry lacks large-scale fabrication facilities for serial manufacturing, requiring significant investment.
- Licensing: New SMR technologies may struggle to fit within existing licensing frameworks.
- Radioactive Waste: SMRs generate radioactive waste that requires storage and disposal.
- Safeguards: A robust safeguards approach is necessary for new SMR technologies to ensure security and non-proliferation.
- Public Perception: Nuclear power faces public opposition due to fears of disasters.
About India’s Current Operational Nuclear Capacity
- Targeted Nuclear Capacity Growth: India’s nuclear power generation capacity is set to rise from 8,780 MW currently to 9,480 MW by the end of 2025-26.
- By 2029-30, the capacity will reach 13,480 MW and is expected to reach 21,880 MW by 2031-32 as ongoing and planned projects come online.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is developing next-generation SMRs: BSMR-200 (200 MW), SMR-55 (55 MW) and High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (up to 5 MW for hydrogen generation).
- SMRs like BSMR-200 and SMR-55 are planned for use in: Captive power plants for energy-intensive industries (e.g., aluminium, steel, and metal), repurposing retiring fossil fuel-based plants and Off-grid and remote location.
