Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

GS Paper 3

 Syllabus: Science and Technology: Nuclear Science

Source: BS

Context: This article discusses India’s shift towards Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a strategic move in the nuclear energy sector.

What are 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.

Status of India’s nuclear power:

• 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.

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.

Why does India need more nuclear power?

• 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.

India’s strategy:

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.

Niti Aayog’s suggestions for SMRs include:

• 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.

Way ahead for India:

• The nuclear industry should move towards ‘passive safety’ designs (for nuclear reactors). For example, active cooling pumps.
• Enforcing nuclear liability, for example, the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010.
• Ending the monopoly of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in reactor operations. Allow other government companies and private sector

Conclusion:

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.

Insta Links:

Nuclear Technology

Mains Links:

Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor programme in India? (UPSC 2019)

 Prelims Links: UPSC 2016