Small modular reactors (SMRs)
Small modular reactors (SMRs)
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh today said, India is taking steps for development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity to fulfil its commitment to Clean Energy transition.
Concept:
What are small modular reactors (SMRs)?
Small modular reactors are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power generation capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW) per unit. This is one-third the capacity of a traditional nuclear reactor. However, the main benefit of the SMR is that it is small and modular.
SMRs were designed to do away with the problems in conventional nuclear plants. Conventional nuclear reactors are massive in size and have a high cost of construction. According to some estimates, the construction of these plants may cost up to $5,945 per kilowatt capacity. SMRs provide a solution to all this.
What are the advantages of SMRs?
- The small size of these reactors makes it possible for the companies to install them on difficult terrain. Their modular property allows the company to transport them easily from the manufacturing location to the plant. It brings down their cost of production as well as the construction time.
- In areas which lack sufficient grid capacity, like rural regions, SMRs can be installed into the existing grid and increase the power output. The SMRs provide low-carbon power, which is less harmful to the environment as compared to thermal power.
- According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), SMRs are relatively safer. No human intervention or external power or force is required to shut down systems because passive systems rely on physical phenomena like gravity and self-pressurisation.
- They eliminate or significantly lower the potential for unsafe releases of radioactivity to the environment and the public in case of an accident.
- Moreover, these reactors require less frequent refuelling. As compared to refuelling once every 1-2 years in conventional plants, these plants can last 3-7 years before refuelling.
- Some SMRs are designed to operate for up to 30 years without refuelling
How many SMRs are currently operating?
Over 70 commercial SMRs have been developed around the world, but the only modular reactor design that is operating is onboard the floating nuclear power plant Akademik Lomonosov in Russia.
The construction of the biggest land-based SMR began in the Chinese power plant Linglong One in 2021 and is due for completion in 2026.
What are the disadvantages of SMRs?
The SMRs are largely more beneficial than conventional nuclear plants and other forms of power generation, but their cost of production is likely to stay high unless mass production is undertaken.
Current status :Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first floating nuclear power plant that began commercial operation in May 2020, is producing energy from two 35 MW(e) SMRs. Other SMRs are under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States of America.
IAEA and SMR
- The IAEA has established the Platform on SMRs and their Applications, a one-stop shop for countries to coordinate support related to all aspects of SMR development, deployment, oversight and their electric and non-electric applications, such as use in district heating and desalination systems.
- The IAEA is assessing the level to which existing IAEA safety standards can be applied to innovative technologies. The IAEA expects to publish a Safety Report on the applicability of IAEA safety standards to SMR technologies in 2022.
- The IAEA’s Technical Working Group on Small and Medium Sized or Modular Reactors (TWG-SMR) and the SMR Regulators’ Forum unites experts to discuss challenges and share experiences related to the development and future deployment of SMRs.