Central Idea

• As the world strives to decarbonize and meet U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 7, India stands at a crossroads in its pursuit of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
• Fossil fuels still dominate 82% of the global energy supply, highlighting the pressing need for cleaner power sources.
• While solar and wind energy have gained traction, they alone might not guarantee grid stability and energy security.

What is the news?

• Small modular reactors (SMRs), a type of nuclear reactor, offer India a promising solution to overcome these challenges and achieve its ambitious clean energy goals.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a type of nuclear reactor design that aims to offer several advantages over traditional large-scale nuclear reactors.
• They are characterized by their smaller size, modular construction, and potential for enhanced safety features.
• They are designed to be significantly smaller than conventional nuclear reactors, often with electrical outputs of up to 300 megawatts or less.

Decarbonization Challenges and the Role of SMRs

• Global Dependence on Fossil Fuels: The transition from coal-fired power to clean energy sources presents significant challenges worldwide, with solar and wind alone often falling short of ensuring reliability and affordability.
• Importance of Firm Power Generation: To achieve reliable grid operations and reduce costs in renewable energy-rich systems, the integration of at least one firm power-generating technology is crucial.

Advantages of general Nuclear Power Plans

• Contribution of Nuclear Power: Nuclear power plants (NPPs) generate 10% of global electricity, significantly reducing natural gas demand and CO2 emissions.
• Efficiency and Reliability: NPPs provide stable 24×7 power in all weather conditions, aiding grid stability more effectively than variable renewable energy sources.
• Job Creation and Co-benefits: Nuclear power offers high-skill jobs and benefits in technology, manufacturing, and operations.

How SMRs outpower NPPs?

• Addressing NPP Challenges: To counter challenges associated with conventional NPPs, many nations are developing SMRs with a capacity of up to 300 MW.
• Benefits of SMRs:

1. Enhanced Safety: SMRs feature lower core damage frequency and radioactive contamination risks compared to conventional NPPs.
2. Passive Safety Features: Simpler design and passive safety measures reduce the potential for uncontrolled radioactive releases.
3. Reduced Spent Fuel Storage: SMRs produce less spent nuclear fuel, easing storage concerns.
4. Brownfield Sites Utilization: SMRs can repurpose existing infrastructure, minimizing land acquisition and displacement issues.

Reasons for SMR’s immediate consideration

• Scalability: SMRs can be used individually or in combination to match varying energy needs, providing flexibility in deployment.
• Reduced Environmental Footprint: SMRs emit fewer greenhouse gases, require less land, and have a smaller visual impact compared to larger reactors.
• Flexibility: SMRs can power remote areas or off-grid communities, adapting to diverse energy requirements and locations.
• Grid Stability: Offering steady baseload power, SMRs contribute to grid stability and complement intermittent renewables.
• Waste Reduction: Some SMRs generate less nuclear waste due to efficient fuel use and smaller size, easing waste management.
• Local Development: Building, operating, and maintaining SMRs create jobs and boost local economies.

Economic and Environmental Aspects

• Sustainability: SMRs can operate for decades with high capacity factors exceeding 90%, contributing to sustainable energy generation.
• Cost Trends: Capital costs for SMRs in the U.S. are around $6,000 per MW, expected to decline further post-2030 with increasing deployment.

India’s Path to Net-Zero with SMRs

• Key Energy Goals: India aims to increase coal-based thermal power capacity and expand variable renewable energy sources to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
• SMRs as a Catalyst: Integrating SMRs into thermal power plant sites can boost net-zero efforts and enhance energy security.

Harnessing SMRs

(1) Regulatory revamp

• Efficient Regulation: A robust regulatory regime akin to civil aviation’s safety standards is essential for SMRs’ role in decarbonization.
• Global Cooperation: International collaboration among regulators and organizations can streamline approvals and facilitate the safe deployment of SMRs.

(2) Legislative Changes and Collaboration:

• Amendments to Atomic Energy Act: Private sector involvement in SMR setup requires legislative amendments while retaining fuel and waste control under government oversight.
• Empowered Regulatory Board: Creating an independent regulatory board is crucial for overseeing the entire nuclear power generation cycle.
• Strategic Nuclear Fuel Reserve: India’s ‘123 agreement’ allows strategic fuel reserves and reprocessing facilities under IAEA safeguards, ensuring fuel security.

(3) Enhancing Public Perception:

• Public Engagement: The Department of Atomic Energy should disseminate comprehensive environmental and health data about civilian reactors to enhance public perception.
• Consulting people: Many regions of India are already witnessing protests from local residents fuming over the installation of nuclear reactors in their vicinity.

Conclusion

• Embracing small modular reactors presents India with an opportunity to accelerate its transition to clean energy, enhance grid stability, and achieve net-zero emissions.
• The strategic deployment of SMRs, bolstered by sound legislation, international cooperation, and efficient regulation, can play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards a sustainable and energy-secure future.

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