Context: Recently, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that India is taking steps for development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfil its commitment to clean energy transition.

• This initiative will decarbonise its energy sources and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Small Modular N-Reactors

• SMRs have a capacity of 300MW per unit.

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines 'small' as under 300 MWe, and up to about 700 MWe as 'medium'.

• Together they have been referred to by the IAEA as small and medium reactors (SMRs). 

• SMRs generates about a third of the energy capacity of large-scale nuclear reactors.

• SMRs use nuclear fission technology which then converts to thermal energy to produce electricity.

• A subcategory of very small reactors (vSMRs) is proposed for units under about 15 MWe, especially for remote communities.

Advantage

• SMRs need less fuel than old reactors.

• Some SMRs can operate for 30 years without being refuelled.

• SMRs can be quickly equipped and installed.

• It can be easily transported at destined site.

• It can be put into operation swiftly.

• It generates less toxic waste.

• It has better upfront capital cost.

• It has passive safety features.

• They do not need manual or external interference to shut down if needed.

• It can be installed into existing grid or remotely off-grid.

Uses

• It can be used in “synergetic hybrid energy systems”.

• It combines nuclear energy and alternate resources to generate electricity.

• It can be used to increase capacity of conventional reactors.

It can be used in remote regions that

• Cannot be connected to grid for electricity.

• Has limited infrastructure for large nuclear plants.

It can be used to provide baseload electricity.

• Baseload electricity is minimum amount of electricity that is always in demand.

It can supply power for industrial applications.