What is Small modular reactors (SMR) and where does India stand in SMR technology?

What is Small modular reactors (SMR)?

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are compact, factory-fabricated nuclear reactors that use advanced nuclear technologies to generate electricity. They are modular, meaning that they can be manufactured in sections and assembled on-site, which makes them easier to transport, install, and operate.  

 

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• Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is a unique nuclear power technology recognised for its small dimensions and modular construction.

• Power outputs vary from a few megawatts to upto 300 megawatts (MWe), enabling scalability and flexibility for varied applications.

• Modular architecture employs sophisticated materials and safety measures, allowing cost-effective manufacture and rapid deployment.

• SMRs are regarded a possible answer to issues in conventional nuclear power, promising greater safety, decreased capital costs, and flexibility to different energy needs. 

• Ongoing research and development intends to establish SMRs as a vital actor in the future of sustainable and resilient energy systems.

Advantages of SMRs 

• SMRs offers major savings in cost and construction time.
  

• SMRs can be installed thermal power plants, so,  
•  No need to procure additional land.
• No need to displace people

• Small initial investment. 

•  Can be installed in rural areas for local usage.  

• SMRs have low "core damage frequency" and "source term" risk. Source term refers to the amount of the radionuclides released from the fuel. "Core damage frequency" measures fuel damage likelihood. 

• Enhances seismic isolation for extra protection.

• Simpler designs with passive safety elements.

• Minimizes uncontrolled release of radioactive materials into the environment.

Disadvantages of SMRs 

• New technology.
  

• 1st commercial SMR shall be installed in US by 2030

SMR and India

• The government cannot provide the significant financial resources needed for NPP expansion on its own; the private sector must also be drawn in using PPP mode. 

• India's Atomic Energy Act needs major change for allowing private sector SMR development

• Requires government control over nuclear fuel and radioactive waste for safety and security.

• Law is needed to establish an independent regulatory board to supervise nuclear power generation cycle by SMR. The body will oversee design approval, site selection, facility construction, facility management, operator certification, and waste reprocessing.  

• As per Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, engagement of private sector and startups has to be considered in development of this essential technology within India. He delivered a lecture in an workshop, arranged on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) by NITI Aayog and Department of Atomic Energy. 

• During G20 meeting, in a joint statement in New Delhi, India on 8th September 2023, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden accepted increased consultations between the appropriate organisations on both sides to expand possibilities for enabling India-U.S. collaboration in nuclear energy, such as in the research and development of the next-generation small modular reactor technologies in a cooperative method.

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