Context:
India is advancing its nuclear energy programme by developing three types of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), including a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGCR) for hydrogen generation.
Key Highlights:
- Government Initiative / Policy Details
- Development of three SMR types:
- 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)
- 55 MWe SMR (SMR-55)
- 5 MWth High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGCR)
- Lead units to be constructed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
- Tarapur Atomic Power Station (Maharashtra) to host BSMR-200 and SMR-55.
- Vizag (Andhra Pradesh) to host HTGCR.
- Data, Targets, Schemes Mentioned
- Estimated cost of BSMR-200 development: ₹5,960 crore.
- Focus on hydrogen generation using nuclear energy.
- Scientific Principle / Technology
- SMRs: Compact nuclear reactors with modular design.
- HTGCR: Uses helium coolant and graphite moderator for high thermal efficiency.
- Significance / Applications
- Enhances energy security and diversifies energy mix.
- Supports green hydrogen mission.
- Lower capital cost and improved safety features.
- Suitable for remote or smaller grid locations.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Small Modular Reactor (SMR):
- Smaller nuclear reactors (<300 MWe).
- Factory-built, transportable modules.
- Advantages: flexibility, safety, cost efficiency.
- HTGCR Features:
- Uses helium (coolant) and graphite (moderator).
- Capable of high-temperature output → hydrogen production.
- Units of Measurement:
- MWe (Megawatt electrical): Electrical output.
- MWth (Megawatt thermal): Thermal energy output.
- Tarapur Atomic Power Station:
- India’s first nuclear power station (Maharashtra).
- Hydrogen Production:
- Nuclear reactors can enable clean hydrogen via thermochemical processes.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Role in India’s Energy Strategy:
- Supports transition to low-carbon economy.
- Complements renewables (solar, wind) by providing baseload power.
- Economic and Technological Significance:
- Promotes indigenous nuclear technology development.
- Reduces dependence on large-scale capital-intensive reactors.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Reduces carbon emissions.
- Enables clean hydrogen economy.
- Challenges:
- High initial R&D costs.
- Regulatory and public safety concerns.
- Nuclear waste management issues.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen public-private partnerships in nuclear sector.
- Enhance regulatory frameworks and safety standards.
- Integrate SMRs with renewable energy grids and hydrogen mission.
UPSC Relevance:
- Prelims: SMRs, nuclear technology, hydrogen energy.
- Mains GS Paper 3: Energy security, nuclear technology, clean energy transition.