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News Topical, Digital Desk : As artificial intelligence and machine learning revolutionize industries, the demand for reliable, clean, and scalable energy continues to grow. Small modular reactors are being developed. Compact nuclear power units are now becoming a favorite in the global energy sector.
SMRs, which do everything from powering remote islands to fueling data centers, are being seen as the next big thing in nuclear energy. India isn't just watching from the sidelines, but is also building its own, the India Small Modular Reactor. Today, small modular reactors are the talk of the world and a point of pride for China.
Understand what is SMR?
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Dr Alexander Volgin, Project Director at Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom, spoke about the potential of SMRs and Russia's openness to collaborate with India on this transformative technology.
"When we talk about SMRs, we're talking about small modular reactors. 'Small' means they take up less space than conventional nuclear power plants, and 'modular' means they are assembled in a factory and can be transported as a single piece," Dr. Volgin explained.
Smaller and less space-efficient nuclear plants
Unlike massive nuclear installations like Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, Russian SMRs can only cover 15-17 hectares. "It contains pumps, steam generators, and nuclear fuel in a single unit," Dr. Volgin said. "It's a steam-generating unit that powers a separate turbine island."
Russian SMRs can provide up to 55 megawatts of electricity and up to 200 megawatts of thermal energy. The uranium fuel is enriched up to 20%, which is higher than in conventional pressurized water reactors, but still within safe limits.
He added, "This reactor is really small. The reactor can even be transported by train. It is ideal for remote areas, islands, or places where diesel is currently used."
India is progressing rapidly
Russia is already building a land-based SMR in the Yakutia region and has signed an agreement to supply six units to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, China has commissioned a 100-megawatt land-based SMR as a test unit.
"This is a big step forward now. Most countries are developing their own SMRs, France, the US and China. But Russia is a leader in this. We have been using small reactors on icebreakers since the 1950s. The RITM-200 reactor is a new version of this," said Dr. Volgin.
India working on small modular reactor
Dr. Volgin said, India is moving rapidly in this area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a bold target of 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power by 2070 as part of India's net-zero mission. India is developing small modular reactors indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, and Russia is eager to be part of this journey.
“We are ready to provide more energy, more reactors – large-scale, small-scale, floating units, even advanced reactors,” Dr. Volgin said.
India-Russia: From Kudankulam to India SMR?
When asked about the possibility of co-developing India's Bharat SMR, Dr. Volgin said categorically: “If the Department of Atomic Energy and BARC invite us, we will definitely be happy to cooperate in this.”
Localization is also being considered. He confirmed, “We are developing our supply chain in India. We are in close discussions with the government and the Department of Atomic Energy on localization and SMRs.”
With India opening up its nuclear sector to private companies, such as the recent joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC, Rosatom is keeping a close eye on it.
"This is very good news. We recognize the potential and desire of Indian private companies to produce green energy. We will study all possibilities," Dr. Volgin said.
Safe and green reactors
Safety remains a major concern. But with over 400 reactor-years of experience on Russian icebreakers and no accidents, Rosatom is confident about the safety of SMRs. "These reactors combine passive and active safety systems. They are accident-resistant and safe by design," he stressed.
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