Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Recently, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, entered discussions with Russia’s state-owned atomic energy firm Rosatom to explore the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

o The aim is to meet the energy needs of four major infrastructure projects, including the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line.

• About SMRs: Next-generation nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 MWe, capable of producing 7.2 million kWh of electricity per day. In contrast, traditional large-scale nuclear plants exceed 1,000 MWe, generating about 24 million kWh daily.

o Key Features of SMRs : Significantly smaller in physical size compared to conventional reactors.

- Designed for factory assembly and easy transport to site, reducing on-site construction time.

o Reactors: Operate on nuclear fission, converting heat into usable energy.

• Rising Relevance of SMRs:

o Compact Design: Their small physical footprint makes SMRs ideal for deployment in remote regions or locations with limited space.

o Cost-Effective: SMRs require lower capital investment compared to large-scale nuclear plants, making them economically attractive.

o Factory-Fabricated: These reactors are built off-site in factories, allowing faster, more efficient, and standardized deployment.

o Flexible Location: Unlike traditional reactors, SMRs can be installed in areas where large nuclear facilities are not feasible.

o Scalable Power Supply: Their modular design allows incremental power additions, aligning with evolving energy demands.

o High Safety Standards: SMRs incorporate advanced safeguards, offering enhanced safety, security, and non-proliferation benefits.