Why in the news?

  • Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, strongly advocates the deployment of its SMRs in India.

Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

  • What is it?: SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of 10-300 MW, designed to complement conventional Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs).
  • Advantages:
    • SMR features enhanced safety measures, simpler design, and passive safety features – reduced chance for uncontrolled release and accidents.
    • 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.
  • 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      • India’s reliance on heavy water reactor technology, which is outdated compared to globally dominant light water reactors.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.
  • Way Forward
    • Establish a clear SMR policy framework defining licensing norms, safety guidelines as well as siting guidelines.
    • Promote indigenous technology development in the region of SMR and allied technologies
    • International Cooperation and Technology import.
    • Enable Private as well as PPP models in implementation.

Source: The Indian Express