NEW DELHI: During a workshop organised by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and the Department of Atomic Energy on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) on November 28, 2022, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, Government of India, mentioned that India is taking steps to clean energy transition by working for the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with a capacity up to 300 Mega Watt (MW).
While speaking at the workshop, Singh asked for the participation of the private sector and start-ups in the development of this critical technology. He also highlighted that technology sharing and availability of funding are crucial for ensuring the commercial availability of SMR technology.
The minister stated that the role of nuclear energy will be crucial for clean energy transition as steps are being taken including penetration of non-fossil-based energy resources for achieving net-zero by 2070. In terms of base power load, nuclear energy will play an important role in the de-carbonization strategy.
Being mobile and having the ability to be built in a factory unlike conventional nuclear reactors, SMRs with 300 MW capacity are flexible in design and occupy a much smaller area. It is simpler and safer and a promising technology in industrial de-carbonization especially where there is a continuous requirement for power supply.
He also mentioned that India today stands at number four in installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity in the world after China, Europe, and the United States.