India to develop small modular reactors with up to 300 MW capacity: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh said India is taking steps for development of small modular reactors (SMR), with up to 300 megawatt (MW) capacity to fulfil its commitment to clean energy transition.

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These reactors are physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor, making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.

In his address to a workshop on small modular reactors organised by NITI Aayog and Department of Atomic Energy, Singh said the participation of private sector and startups needs to be explored in development of this critical technology within India. He emphasised that technology sharing and availability of funding are the two crucial links for ensuring commercial availability of SMR technology.

Besides offering significant savings in cost and construction time, small modular reactors are simpler and safer as compared to large nuclear plants, as per the Department of Atomic Energy.

The exploration of new clean energy options is in tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadmap for clean energy transition through bold climate commitments. At the G20 summit in Bali, Modi had said that half of India's electricity will be generated from renewable sources by 2030.

"We must not promote any restrictions on the supply of energy and stability in the energy market should be ensured," the PM had said, adding that India's energy-security is also important for global growth, as it is the world's fastest growing economy.

This comes at a time when the Russian oil share in India's import basket has climbed to 22% in October from just 1% before the beginning of the Ukraine war. The share of India's traditional suppliers, Iraq and Saudi Arabia decreased to 20.5% and 16%, respectively.

While India has already taken steps for clean energy transition with penetration of non-fossil based energy resources and achieving net-zero by 2070, nuclear in terms of base load power can play a big role in the de-carbonisation strategy, says Union minister Singh. The role of nuclear energy will be critical for the clean energy transition of not just India but for the entire world, he adds.

A number of measures have been taken to promote renewable energy in the country and India today ranks fourth in the RE installed capacity across the world, after China, Europe and the United States, says Singh. These measures also conform to the Prime Minister's Aatmanirbhar Bharat goal, where India contributes significant value to the global value chain, he adds.