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Small Modular Reactors

  • Context (PIB | LM | TH | IE): GoI is advancing its efforts in clean energy transition by focusing on new technologies such as Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs).
  • Small Modular Reactors are promoted to help India’s broad strategy of decarbonisation.
  • Small Modular Reactors are smaller, simpler, and more affordable than traditional nuclear reactors.
  • They typically have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e), which is about 1/3rd of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.
  • Harness nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
  • They can start from a completely de-energized state without receiving energy from the grid.
    Reactor Capacity
    Large, conventional reactor 700+ MW(e)
    Small modular reactor 300 MW(e)
    Microreactor Up to ̴ 10 MW(e)

Small Modular Reactors

  • India has set its target to reach net-zero emissions by 2070.

Present Status of Small Modular Reactors

  • Two operational SMRs exist globally:
    1. Akademik Lomonosov Plant, Russia (the world’s floating nuclear power station)
    2. China
  • Two more SMRs are under construction in Argentina and Russia.

Advantages of Small Modular Reactors

  • Realising the goal of ‘Power for All’ as they can be installed into an existing grid and in areas lacking sufficient lines of transmission and grid capacity.
  • Contribute to grid stability and reliability by providing a stable baseload power supply that complements intermittent renewable energy sources.
  • Climate change mitigation: They have a smaller environmental footprint due to their compact size and reduced water consumption.
  • Environment Friendly: As per Nuclear Energy Institute, it consumes 30-60% less water per megawatt-hour compared to traditional nuclear plants.
  • Fuel efficient: Power plants based on SMRs may require less frequent refuelling, every 3 to 7 years, in comparison to between 1 and 2 years for conventional plants.
  • Greater deployment flexibility due to smaller, modular units allowing SMRs to be scaled up or down.
  • Land use efficiency: SMRs can repurpose retiring coal-based thermal power station sites.

Concerns with Small Modular Reactors

  • Costly: SMRs will not be cost competitive due to the need to build thousands of such high priced reactors to achieve factory-based cost reductions → higher cost per unit of electricity generated.
  • Security risk: “nuclear backpacks” highlights concerns about the security risks associated with the portability and small size of SMRs.
  • Nuclear waste: According to a study, SMRs produce radioactive waste up by 30 percent compared to conventional reactors.
  • Other challenges: Limited fuel options, lack of proven experience as they are still in early stages of development, uncertainty about reliability, environmental impact.

Way Ahead

  • The Atomic Energy Act must be amended to allow the private sector to set up SMRs.
  • To ensure safety, security, and safeguards, control of nuclear fuel and radioactive waste must remain with the GoI.
  • GoI must enact a law to establish an independent, empowered regulatory board.
  • GoI can negotiate with foreign suppliers to reprocess nuclear waste from all SMRs in a state-controlled facility under IAEA safeguards.
  • The Department of Atomic Energy must improve the public perception of nuclear power in India.
  • Schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for SMRs can be introduced.

India-US ‘123 Agreement’ (or US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement)

  • It was signed in 2008 for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
  • It allows India to develop a strategic reserve of nuclear fuel to guard against supply disruptions.
  • It also allows India to reprocess spent fuel from SMRs under IAEA safeguards.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

  • IAEA is an autonomous international organisation within the United Nations system.
  • It seeks to maximise the contribution of nuclear technology to society while verifying its peaceful use.
  • Established in 1957, it has 175 Member States; India has been a member since its inception.
  • It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

Department of Atomic Energy (DEA)

  • DAE was set up under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order in 1954.
  • It transacts all GoI businesses related to atomic energy and functions under the Atomic Energy Act.

Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)

  • AEC was first set up in 1948 in the Department of Scientific Research.
  • Subsequently, a GoI Resolution established AEC in the Department of Atomic Energy in 1958.
  • It is responsible for formulating the Department of Atomic Energy policy.

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