This was also discussed during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India. Those small module reactors. To execute this deal, a team from Russia had especially come with Putin. It is not yet clear how far this matter has progressed, but it is certain that in the future, India may be interested in Small Module Reactor i.e. SMR. ..And currently Russia is at the forefront in this technology. The cost of installing this type of reactor is less and the time taken to complete the project is also less. India also wants to take this technology. What are SMRs, how are they useful, why India seems interested in it. We are giving complete information about this here.
In the same winter session, the Central Government told the Lok Sabha that talks are being held with Russia’s Rosatom regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMR). India wants to install it but there will be more emphasis on indigenization in its construction.
The recent Department of Atomic Energy-Rosatom meeting focused on cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle as well as development of both large and small nuclear power projects, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Russia wants to install small module nuclear reactor in India. This technology claims to make nuclear energy cheap, safe and flexible. Less carbon is emitted in making it.
Question – What are Small Modular Reactors (SMR)?
– Small modular reactors (SMRs) are modern nuclear reactors, which are much smaller than conventional large reactors. Their capacity is usually 300 MW electric or less, while conventional reactors are 1000 MW or more. These modules are pre-made in the factory and then brought to the site and assembled. These come in many designs. At present, Russia has two such SMRs in operation. There is a floating one in it.
These reactors generate heat from nuclear fission, which turns water into steam to run turbines and generate electricity. Rosatom of Russia is the government corporation related to it, which has developed it. It commissioned the world’s first floating SMR in Akademik Lomonosov in 2020. Now he wants India to get it installed here, so that in the next 20 years, India can achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power generation capacity.
Question – Why does Russia want to install these SMRs in India?
Nuclear cooperation between Russia and India is decades old – the Kudankulam plant is an example of this. During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, talks regarding this will definitely move forward or a big agreement may also be reached. Russia is offering its technology transfer, joint production and localization to India, especially in coastal areas. Although it is true that energy demand is increasing rapidly in India, there are cost problems along with construction delays of big reactors. Russia has experience in building small module reactors, it has installed one such 330 MW SMR reactor in Uzbekistan. It does not require much space or setup to make it. These fit in 15-17 hectares of land. India is focusing on thorium-based SMRs, which it has in abundance. This will help India to develop indigenous SMR.
Question – How are Small Module Reactors different from conventional reactors?
– Both SMR and conventional reactors are based on nuclear energy, but there are major differences in design, construction and operation. Conventional reactors are large. The cost is very high, in billions of dollars. It also takes more time to make. They produce a lot of power – more than 1000 MW. Whereas SMRs are modular producing 300 MW power. They are made in a factory and transported to the site by truck and ship, reducing construction time to 3-5 years. It is also better from security point of view. Prevents accidents without electricity or human intervention.
Active pumps and coolant systems are necessary in conventional reactors. SMRs are flexible in this respect, the capacity can be increased by adding them, in remote areas they can be installed depending on the geographical conditions there or on floating platforms. They use less fuel i.e. less uranium. Some designs can run for 30 years without refueling. Overall, SMRs are scalable, safe, and environment-friendly, whereas conventional ones are large and complex.
Question – What is the cost of small module reactor, how can it be compared with conventional?
– The cost of SMR is still in the development stage, but due to modular design it may prove to be cheaper than conventional. The total cost of an SMR unit (114 MW) is approximately $2,653 per kWh, while a conventional power reactor costs $4,764 per kWh. In a country like India, 5 indigenous SMRs can be installed with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore. This cost is also expected to decrease further.
Question – How many SMRs are working in the world?
– It can be said that SMR is still in its initial stage. There are 127 designs globally, of which 7 are operational or under construction. If Russia’s Lomonosov is working since 2020, then a similar project in China is working since 2021. Apart from this, they are being made in Argentina, Russia and China. Overall, more than 80 of their designs are being developed in 18 countries according to the conditions there. By the way, America and France are also working in this direction.
Question – How will India benefit from SMR?
– SMR will advance India’s energy security, climate goals and economic growth. Clean carbon free electricity will be available. This may take place in remote areas. It is easy to apply. This will make India self-reliant in the energy sector. Will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Question – What are its challenges and how will India overcome them?
– Its main challenges are high initial cost and regulatory approval will have to be obtained from the International Atomic Energy Association. However, this technology will soon come to India. Overall, this can prove to be a game-changer for India.
There are currently 24 operational nuclear reactors in India with a total capacity of 7,943 MW. 06 reactors of 4768 MW capacity are under construction. Another 10 units (about 7 GW capacity) are yet to be commissioned. Overall, the country needs fast installation SMRs along with installation of large capacity reactors.
