NTPC Explores Global Partnerships for Small Modular Reactors and Nuclear Energy
NTPC seeks international collaborations for advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors.
Photo by anik das
NTPC, India's largest power utility, is actively exploring international collaborations to develop advanced nuclear power projects, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This strategic move aims to diversify India's energy mix, enhance energy security, and meet its ambitious clean energy targets.
SMRs are a new generation of nuclear reactors that are smaller, more flexible, and potentially safer than traditional large-scale reactors, offering a viable solution for decentralized power generation. For UPSC aspirants, this signifies India's commitment to nuclear energy as a clean power source, its focus on technological advancements, and the importance of international cooperation in critical sectors like energy.
मुख्य तथ्य
NTPC exploring international collaborations for nuclear plans
Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Aims to diversify energy mix and enhance energy security
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Technological advancements in nuclear energy (SMRs)
India's energy security and clean energy targets (Net Zero 2070)
Role of public sector undertakings (NTPC, NPCIL) in strategic sectors
International cooperation and nuclear diplomacy
Regulatory framework for nuclear power in India (AERB, Atomic Energy Act)
दृश्य सामग्री
Global SMR Landscape: Potential Partners for India
This map highlights key countries actively developing or deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), representing potential international collaboration partners for India's NTPC. India's exploration of SMRs is a strategic move to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy security.
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और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and India's nuclear energy program: 1. SMRs are characterized by their ability to be factory-fabricated and transported as modules, offering greater flexibility in deployment. 2. Unlike traditional large-scale reactors, SMRs are inherently safer due to their smaller core and reliance on passive safety systems. 3. India's current three-stage nuclear power program primarily focuses on the deployment of SMRs in its first stage. 4. NTPC's exploration of SMRs aligns with India's commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statement 1 is correct: SMRs are designed for modular construction and transportability, enhancing deployment flexibility. Statement 2 is correct: SMRs often incorporate passive safety features and have smaller cores, which can lead to enhanced safety. Statement 3 is incorrect: India's first stage of the nuclear power program primarily uses natural uranium in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), not SMRs. SMRs are a newer technology being explored. Statement 4 is incorrect: India has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, not 2050.
2. With reference to India's nuclear energy sector, consider the following statements: 1. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) functions directly under the Prime Minister's Office. 2. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is an independent statutory body responsible for nuclear safety and regulation in India. 3. India is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a nuclear-weapon state. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is indeed under the direct charge of the Prime Minister. Statement 2 is correct: The AERB was constituted in 1983 by the President of India under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to carry out regulatory and safety functions. It is an independent statutory body. Statement 3 is incorrect: India is not a signatory to the NPT, viewing it as discriminatory. India maintains a 'no first use' policy and is a recognized nuclear-weapon state outside the NPT regime.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding India's three-stage nuclear power program?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement A is correct: The first stage uses PHWRs with natural uranium, producing plutonium-239. Statement C is correct: The third stage focuses on thorium utilization, specifically using uranium-233 bred from thorium in AHWRs. Statement D is correct: The program was indeed conceptualized by Homi J. Bhabha to leverage India's large thorium reserves. Statement B is NOT correct: The second stage uses plutonium-239 in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) to produce electricity and *breed more plutonium-239 from depleted uranium*, while also converting thorium into uranium-233. The primary breeding in the second stage is plutonium from uranium, not uranium-233 from thorium as the main output for the next stage.