Russia Pitches SMRs and New-Gen Nuclear Reactors to India for 'Make in India'
Russia's Rosatom is promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and new-generation large reactors to India, emphasizing 'Make in India' collaboration.
Photo by Johan Nilsson Holmqvist
Quick Revision
Russian nuclear company Rosatom is promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for India.
Rosatom is also pitching new-generation large atomic power reactor projects.
Emphasis is on integrating these projects with India's 'Make in India' initiative.
Discussions follow a meeting between India's DAE Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty and Rosatom DG Alexey Likhachev.
Key Dates
Visual Insights
Russia-India Nuclear Cooperation & Key Indian Sites
This map illustrates the geographical context of Russia's pitch for SMRs and new-gen reactors to India, highlighting the two nations involved and key existing nuclear power plant locations in India, particularly those with Russian collaboration.
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India-Russia Nuclear Cooperation & SMR Context
This timeline outlines key historical milestones in India's nuclear energy program and its long-standing collaboration with Russia, leading up to the current proposal for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and new-gen reactors.
India's nuclear program, initiated in the 1950s, has always prioritized self-reliance while also engaging in strategic international partnerships. Russia has been a consistent and crucial partner, notably in the development of Light Water Reactors. The recent focus on SMRs represents an evolution in India's energy strategy, seeking flexible, modular solutions, and aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities in this advanced sector.
- 1954Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) established under PM's direct charge, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha as Chairman.
- 1962Atomic Energy Act enacted, providing legal framework for India's nuclear program.
- 1988Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) signed between India and Soviet Union for Kudankulam NPP.
- 2008India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (123 Agreement) opens doors for international nuclear cooperation, including with Russia.
- 2013Kudankulam Unit 1 (Russian VVER-1000 reactor) achieves criticality, marking significant India-Russia collaboration.
- 2016Kudankulam Unit 2 commences commercial operation.
- 2021India announces target to achieve 22,480 MW nuclear power capacity by 2031, emphasizing indigenous PHWRs and international LWRs.
- 2022India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) begins exploring SMR technology, NITI Aayog releases report on SMR potential.
- 2023DAE Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty meets Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev to discuss nuclear cooperation.
- 2024Russia (Rosatom) pitches SMRs and new-gen nuclear reactors to India for 'Make in India' during President Putin's visit.
Exam Angles
Science & Technology: Understanding SMR technology, nuclear reactor types, nuclear fuel cycle.
Economy: 'Make in India' implications, investment in strategic sectors, energy infrastructure development.
International Relations: India-Russia strategic partnership, nuclear cooperation, non-proliferation issues.
Environment: Nuclear energy as a clean energy source for climate change mitigation.
Governance: Regulatory framework for new nuclear technologies, nuclear liability.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
During President Putin's visit, Russia's state nuclear company, Rosatom, is making a strong push for India to adopt its Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These are smaller, more flexible nuclear reactors that could be a game-changer for India's energy needs. Rosatom is also advocating for its new-generation large atomic power reactor projects, with a focus on integrating them into the 'Make in India' initiative.
This push follows a recent meeting between India's Department of Atomic Energy Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. Essentially, Russia is offering advanced nuclear technology and a pathway for India to boost its domestic manufacturing capabilities in the nuclear sector, which is crucial for India's energy security and climate goals.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and their potential relevance for India: 1. SMRs are typically factory-built and can be deployed in a modular fashion, reducing on-site construction time and costs. 2. Their smaller size and lower power output inherently make them less susceptible to severe accidents compared to large conventional reactors due to passive safety features. 3. Integrating SMR technology into the 'Make in India' initiative could significantly enhance India's domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chain in the nuclear sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. SMRs are designed for modular construction, often factory-built, leading to faster deployment and reduced on-site work. Their smaller core size and reliance on passive safety systems contribute to enhanced safety. The modular nature of SMRs offers significant scope for indigenous production of components and systems, aligning well with the 'Make in India' initiative to boost domestic manufacturing and create a robust supply chain in the nuclear sector.
2. With reference to India's nuclear power program, consider the following statements: 1. The first stage of India's three-stage nuclear power program primarily utilizes Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) fueled by natural uranium. 2. Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) are central to the second stage, designed to produce more fissile material than they consume. 3. The third stage aims to utilize India's vast thorium reserves, converting thorium-232 into uranium-233. 4. All operational nuclear power plants in India are currently based on indigenous technology, with no foreign reactor designs in use. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements 1, 2, and 3 accurately describe India's three-stage nuclear power program. The first stage uses PHWRs with natural uranium. The second stage focuses on FBRs to breed fissile plutonium. The third stage aims for thorium utilization. However, statement 4 is incorrect; India has operational reactors of foreign design (e.g., Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant uses Russian VVER reactors) and plans for more foreign collaborations (e.g., Jaitapur with French EPRs).
3. In the context of India's nuclear energy policy and international cooperation, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, places the primary liability for nuclear damage on the operator of the nuclear installation.
- B.India is a signatory to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), which aims to establish a worldwide nuclear liability regime.
- C.The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is an informal group of nuclear-supplier countries that seeks to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technology.
- D.India is a permanent member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, granting it veto power over nuclear policy decisions.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statements A, B, and C are correct. The CLNDA 2010 places strict liability on the operator. India ratified the CSC in 2016. The NSG's purpose is correctly described. However, statement D is incorrect. While India has been elected to the IAEA Board of Governors multiple times, it is not a permanent member with veto power. The IAEA Board of Governors consists of 35 members, some designated and some elected, but none hold veto power in the manner described.