India taking steps for development of SMR for clean energy transition

Dr. Singh, Union minister of state (independent charge) science and technology; minister of state (independent charge) earth sciences; mos pmo, personnel, public grievances, pensions, atomic energy, and space, emphasised that technology sharing and availability of funding are the two crucial links for ensuring commercial availability of SMR technology, according to a press release by India’s department of atomic energy.

“As we have already taken steps for clean energy transition with penetration of non-fossil-based energy resources and achieving net-zero by 2070, nuclear in terms of base load power can play a big role in the de-carbonisation strategy. It is in this context that the role of nuclear energy will be critical for clean energy transition of not just India but for the entire world,” Dr. Singh added.

SMRs with up to 300 MW capacity by nature are flexible in design and require smaller footprint. Being a mobile and agile technology, SMRs can be factory-built unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on-site. Thus, SMRs offer significant savings in cost and construction time. SMR is a promising technology in industrial de-carbonisation especially where there is a requirement of reliable and continuous power supply. It is said that SMR is simpler and safer as compared to large nuclear plants, added the release.

“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,” the minister said. He added that these measures also conform to Prime Minister Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat goal, where India contributes significantly to the global value chain.

It must be noted that India, which comprises 17 per cent of the world’s population, has seen its primary energy growing at the rate of 4 per cent in the last decade, almost double the global growth rate of 1.3 per cent. However, by historical standards, India’s share in global emissions is less than 5 per cent.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (NB)