New Delhi, Dec 06: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that India is working on developing new technologies such as “Small Nuclear Reactors” (SMRs) to make a clean energy transition.
In reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister of State said nuclear power is considered one of the most promising clean energy options for power generation.
He said there is a thrust world over for a strategy to use nuclear power that could reduce reliance on fossil fuels over the coming years. “Small-capacity atomic power plants, popularly called Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with their unique features of modularity, scalability, small footprint and improved safety present themselves as an attractive option for repurposing retiring coal-based thermal power station sites,” he said.
The reply further elaborated that deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the country, especially in locations not suitable for large nuclear plants, can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity. To move away from fossil fuel consumption, SMRs can be installed and operated for repurposing the ageing fossil fuel-based power plants, it said.
However, SMRs are not expected to serve as replacements for conventional large-sized nuclear power plants, which serve as base load plants.
Nuclear power plants are installed and operated in line with stringent regulatory requirements to contain radiation and to avoid exposure to the public in all circumstances. The techno-commercial aspects of SMRs are still in the initial stages even globally and their large-scale deployment depends on various factors including regulatory harmonisation globally by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), especially considering emergency planning zones and public acceptance.
Small Modular Reactors (SMR) are a promising technology in industrial decarbonization especially where there is a requirement for a reliable and continuous supply of power. India is considering steps for the development of SMR, to fulfil its commitment to the Clean Energy transition.
