India is taking steps for the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfill its commitment to the Clean Energy transition.
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, Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the media about it.
In his address to a Workshop on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) organized by NITI Aayog and Department of Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the participation of the private sector and Start-ups needs to be explored in the development of this critical technology within India.
He emphasized that technology sharing and the availability of funding are the two crucial links for ensuring the commercial availability of SMR technology.
The exploration of new clean energy options is in tune with Prime Minister Modi’s roadmap for clean energy transition through bold climate commitments which are reflected in our updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity by nature are flexible in design and require a smaller footprint. Being mobile and agile technology, SMR can be factory-built, unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on-site.
SMRs offer significant savings in cost and construction time. SMR is a promising technology in industrial de-carbonization, especially where there is a requirement for a reliable and continuous supply of power.
It must be noted that India, comprising 17% of the world population has seen its primary energy growing at rate of 4% during the last decade.
An impressive number of measures have been taken to promote renewable energy in the country and India today stands at number four in the RE installed capacity across the world, after China, Europe, and United States.