small modular reactors

Maharashtra is positioning itself as a nuclear energy hub to meet surging power demand from AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis invited American companies to invest, emphasizing nuclear power's role in stable, carbon-free electricity. The state aims to become a center for nuclear manufacturing and technology partnerships, exploring small modular reactors for industrial needs.

Despite past fears from Chernobyl and Fukushima, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a reliable, clean power source. France's reliance showcases low emissions, while Germany's shutdown increased fossil fuel use. Modern reactors boast enhanced safety features, and global expansion is underway with new designs like SMRs promising efficiency and a smaller environmental footprint.

India is poised to advance its nuclear energy program by inviting bids for the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) within six months. This initiative, a key part of the nation's clean energy transition, will allow foreign companies to partner with local firms.

India's nuclear ambitions have reached a pivotal stage with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieving criticality, marking a significant step in its three-stage nuclear program. This advancement positions India as a leader in advanced nuclear technology, bolstering its drive for energy self-reliance and security amidst a rapidly expanding power sector.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Nuclear Energy Mission with a Rs 20,000 crore allocation for small modular reactors and 10,000 technology research fellowships at IITs and IISc over five years. Amendments to atomic energy-related acts will be considered. Additionally, new missions for spatial and manuscript heritage will be launched.

On Tuesday, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed nuclear energy's importance for Viksit Bharat's energy mix in her Budget speech. The government will partner with private firms to develop Bharat Small Reactors, research on Bharat Small Modular Reactor and newer technologies, supported by R&D funding from the interim budget.

One day following the G20 summit's Delhi Declaration, which underscored the significance of advancing nuclear technology and the creation of small modular reactors (SMRs), atomic energy authorities disclosed on Sunday the nation is committed to developing "these new types of reactors." The atomic energy department is currently exploring various designs and concepts for these SMRs.

Google has signed a groundbreaking deal with Kairos Power to purchase 500 megawatts of power from small modular reactors (SMRs) to support its AI operations by 2030.

India and France have agreed to collaborate on developing next-generation nuclear reactors, including advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors for civil use. The agreement emphasizes nuclear energy's role in enhancing energy security and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, with plans to increase India's nuclear power capacity significantly by 2032.

Proposed N-Law changes will help implement Indo-US deal, open doors for US investment

The US Department of Energy has granted regulatory clearance for Holtec International to transfer small modular reactor technology to India, partnering with Indian firms. This approval marks significant progress in the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, potentially leading to the construction of US-designed nuclear reactors in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment to the India-France partnership by signing crucial agreements and launching the India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence. They emphasized the importance of cooperation in defence, civil nuclear energy, and space and stressed the need for UNSC reforms.

The government is focusing on new technologies like small nuclear reactors to achieve a clean energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. small modular reactors (SMRs) are being considered as an attractive option for repurposing retiring coal-based thermal power station sites. SMRs can be deployed in locations not suitable for large nuclear plants and can produce large amounts of low-carbon electricity. They can be installed and operated to repurpose aging fossil fuel-based power plants. While SMRs are not expected to replace conventional large-sized nuclear power plants, their deployment depends on factors like regulatory harmonisation and public acceptance.

French President Macron begins two-day visit to India, meeting with PM Modi in Jaipur to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence, space, civil nuclear, and Indo-Pacific. They will participate in a road show and visit Jaipur tourist attractions including Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal.

In a bid to boost India's nuclear sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to amend the nuclear liability law and introduce a nuclear energy mission. This aims to attract foreign investment and increase private sector participation. By 2033, five indigenously developed small modular reactors will be operational, with a Rs 20,000 crore allocation for research and development.

AI Chatbots need so much power that running them off fossil fuels would worsen global warming. As nuclear energy is currently the only dependable and carbon-neutral power source for data centres, tech firms are rushing to build or hire ‘small modular reactors’