Why in the news?

• As govt eases N-power restrictions private players like Reliance Industries Ltd,, Tata Power, and Adani Power are among six private entities that are learnt to have formally expressed interest to set up small modular nuclear reactor-based projects.

Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

• What is it?: SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with a maximum capacity of 300MW, designed to complement conventional Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs).
• Advantages:
  • SMR features enhance safety measures, simpler design, and passive safety features, reducing the potential for uncontrolled radioactive material release.
  • SMR can be installed in decommissioned thermal power plants.
  • SMR minimizes time and cost for installation.
  • SMR can generate clean and reliable energy by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions for industries and urban areas.
  • Most SMRs need only low-enriched uranium.
• Issues:
  • Establishing an efficient regulatory framework.
  • Public attitude towards nuclear installation due to various nuclear accidents.
  • Initial capital investment is very high.
• Global Context in SMR:
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has emphasized the need to double nuclear energy by 2050 to meet global net-zero goals.
  • Only two operational SMR projects exist:
    • Akademik Lomonosov (Russia) – Floating power plant with 35 MWe modules.
    • HTR-PM (China) – High-temperature reactor operational from December 2023.
• India’s Engagement with SMRs:
  • India is exploring SMRs as part of its clean energy transition and foreign policy pitch in the nuclear domain.
  • The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is in talks with Holtec International (USA) for collaborative ventures, including the deployment of Holtec’s SMR-300 at coal plant sites in India.
  • Focus areas include:
    • Joint manufacturing of nuclear components.
    • Transitioning to light water reactor technology, aligning with global standards.
• Advantages and Challenges of SMR for India:
  • Advantages:
    • Experience with small reactors like 220 MWe PHWRs.
    • Cost-efficient manufacturing capabilities.
    • Track record of safely operating reactors over decades.
  • Challenges:
    • India’s reliance on heavy water reactor technology, which is outdated compared to globally dominant light water reactors.
    • Legal barriers like the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which holds suppliers liable for nuclear accidents, discouraging foreign investment.
• US-India Collaboration Opportunities:
  • Potential Benefits:
    • Leveraging India’s manufacturing capabilities to reduce costs.
    • Creating a competitive counterbalance to China in the global SMR market.
  • Hurdles:
    • US restrictions under 10CFR810 limit technology transfer and manufacturing collaborations with India.
    • India’s liability laws need revisions to attract global players.

Nuclear Energy Mission

• Part of: Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
• Aim: To make nuclear energy a core pillar of India’s clean energy transition
• Major Objectives:
  • Target Capacity:
    • 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
    • Interim target of 22,480 MW by 2031–32 (from 8,180 MW in Jan 2025).
  • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
    • At least 5 indigenously designed SMRs operational by 2033.
    • ₹20,000 crore allocated for R&D.
  • Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs):
    • Based on 220 MW PHWRs.
    • Suited for deployment near industrial clusters.
    • Private players provide land, water, capital; NPCIL handles design & operation.
  • Private Sector Participation:
    • Proposed amendments to Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability Act.
    • Objective: Attract investment & innovation from private players.
• Strategic Significance:
  • Energy Security: Reduces fossil fuel dependency and enhances grid reliability.
  • Decarbonization: Supports COP26 commitments (500 GW non-fossil, 50% renewable energy share by 2030).
  • Indigenous Innovation: Promotes self-reliance through domestic R&D and manufacturing.