India is considering small modular reactors (SMRs) to boost its nuclear power capacity and achieve its net-zero goals. In this article, you can read more about how SMRs can help India achieve its net-zero goals and the advantages of nuclear energy over other sources. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam GS paper III.
Net Zero Renews India’s Nuclear Push
Fig:Â Energy mix of India
Source: Business Standard
Advantages of Nuclear Power:
- Carbon-Free Energy: Nuclear power generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or contributing to climate change, making it a clean energy source.
- High Energy Density: Nuclear fuel has an extremely high energy density, meaning a small amount of fuel produces a significant amount of energy, making it highly efficient.
- Continuous Power Generation: Nuclear power plants operate continuously, providing a consistent and reliable source of electricity, unlike intermittent renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
- Large-Scale Power Generation: Nuclear power plants have the capacity to generate a large amount of electricity, making them suitable for meeting the energy demands of densely populated areas or industrial sectors.
- Fuel Availability and Independence: Nuclear fuel, such as uranium and thorium, is abundant and widely available in various regions, reducing dependence on foreign energy sources.
- Long Fuel Cycle: Nuclear reactors have a long fuel cycle, requiring less frequent refuelling compared to other conventional power plants, resulting in lower operating costs and improved efficiency.
- Reduced Land Footprint: Nuclear power plants have a relatively small land footprint compared to other renewable energy sources like wind or solar farms, making them suitable for areas with limited available land.
- Low Operational Costs: While nuclear power plants have higher initial construction costs, their operational costs, including fuel and maintenance, are relatively low compared to fossil fuel power plants over the long term.
Also read: List of nuclear power plants in India
Arguments of Anti-Nuclear Activists
- Nuclear Waste and Treatment: Anti-nuclear activists raise concerns about the management and disposal of nuclear waste generated by nuclear power plants. They argue that the long-term storage and treatment of radioactive waste pose environmental and health risks.
- Environmental Impact of Construction: Activists highlight the environmental impact of constructing nuclear power plants. They argue that the extraction of raw materials, such as steel and cement, required for plant construction often involves energy-intensive processes and contributes to pollution.
- Safety Concerns: Opponents of nuclear power express concerns about the potential risks associated with nuclear accidents or mishaps. They argue that even though modern reactors are designed with safety features, accidents like the Fukushima disaster in 2011 demonstrate the potential for catastrophic incidents.
- Financial Costs and Subsidies: Critics of nuclear power question the economic viability of nuclear projects, pointing to high upfront costs, long construction timelines, and the need for government subsidies. They argue that investing in renewable energy sources would be a more cost-effective and sustainable option.
- Nuclear Proliferation and Security Risks: Some opponents of nuclear power express concerns about the potential misuse of nuclear technology and materials for weapons development, leading to nuclear proliferation risks and compromising global security.
NTPC’s Nuclear Power Targets:
- NTPC aims to produce 2,000 MW of nuclear power by 2032, 4,200 MW by 2035, and 20,000 MW by 2050.
- The company is in discussions with the Department of Atomic Energy, BARC, and Uranium Corporation of India for nuclear fuel procurement.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
 Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are smaller, modular nuclear power reactors with capacities typically ranging from 100 to 300 megawatts, offering enhanced safety, flexibility, and scalability in deployment.
Advantages over Conventional Nuclear Reactors:
- Compact Size: SMRs are smaller in size compared to traditional nuclear reactors, typically ranging from 100 to 300 megawatts (MWe). Their compact design allows for factory manufacturing and easier transportation to the deployment site.
- Scalability: SMRs offer scalability, allowing for incremental additions of capacity based on energy demand. Multiple SMRs can be deployed together to meet varying electricity needs, providing flexibility in power generation.
- Enhanced Safety Features: SMRs incorporate advanced safety features and passive cooling systems, making them inherently safer and more resilient to potential accidents. They have improved designs that prevent or mitigate the impact of events like meltdowns.
- Reduced Capital Costs: The smaller size of SMRs results in reduced capital costs compared to large-scale nuclear reactors. They require less initial investment, making nuclear energy more economically feasible for countries with limited resources or grid capacities.
- Quick Construction and Modular Design: SMRs are designed for faster construction and assembly due to their modular design. Pre-fabrication and standardized components enable shorter construction timelines, reducing project delays and costs.
- Grid Stability and Reliability: SMRs contribute to grid stability by providing baseload power, which helps meet the continuous demand for electricity. Their consistent and reliable operation enhances the overall reliability of the power grid.
- Support for Renewable Energy Integration: SMRs can complement renewable energy sources by providing continuous, dispatchable power. They can act as a reliable backup or provide power during periods of low renewable energy generation or energy storage limitations.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: SMRs have a smaller environmental footprint compared to large-scale reactors. They require less land and have a lower impact on natural resources during construction and operation, making them a relatively cleaner energy option.
- Waste Minimization: Some SMR designs aim to minimize nuclear waste production by utilizing advanced fuel cycles or thorium-based fuel. These approaches have the potential to reduce the long-term environmental impact associated with nuclear waste disposal.
Read more on Small Modular Reactors in the linked article.
Conclusion: As India aims for zero emissions by 2070 and seeks to diversify its energy mix, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) present a promising solution. With their enhanced safety features, scalability, and flexibility, SMRs can contribute to clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear power, supporting India’s ambitious energy transition goals.
Net Zero Renews Nuclear Power Push [UPSC Current Affairs]:- Download PDF Here
| Related Links | |||
| Chernobyl Disaster | National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) | ||
| Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) | Wassenaar Arrangement | ||
| Australia Group | Nuclear Suppliers Group | ||
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