Scaling down in nuclear power and space: Why small is now the new big as India opens up two strategic sectors to private participation

Scaling down in nuclear power and space: Why small is now the new big as India opens up two strategic sectors to private participation

Subject: Science & Tech

Section: Nuclear tech

Introduction

• India is focusing on small reactors in nuclear power and space technology to fulfill clean energy commitments and promote foreign policy agendas.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining global attention due to their potential in addressing energy needs.

Global SMR Projects

• Notable SMR projects include the Akademik Lomonosov in Russia, which has two 35 MWe modules and began commercial operation in May 2020.
• Another project is the HTR-PM demonstration SMR in China, which was grid-connected in December 2021.
• Argentina also has experience in working on SMR prototype designs.

India’s Nuclear Progress

• Over the years, India’s civil nuclear program has progressed from 220MWe reactors to 700MWe PHWRs (pressurized heavy water reactors).
• India has expertise in producing and operating small-sized reactors, making them suitable for mid-sized grids and decentralized grid operations.

Characteristics of SMRs

• SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity ranging from 30MWe to 300 MWe, about one-third of traditional nuclear reactors.
• They can produce a substantial amount of low-carbon electricity, offering grid flexibility and baseload power, which aligns with the integration of renewables into the grid.

Space Technology

• The success of Chandrayaan-3 is expected to boost private investment in India’s space ventures.
• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) facilitates private-sector involvement.
• The SSLV program in space technology will become the first fully privatized domestic rocket program.