The global pursuit of decarbonization has gained momentum with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) at its helm, aiming to provide affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. In this context, small modular reactors (SMRs), a promising variant of nuclear reactors, emerge as a potential solution for India to advance its decarbonization agenda. As the challenges of decarbonization intensify and the demand for clean energy rises, SMRs offer a unique set of advantages and opportunities for India to transition towards a greener energy landscape.
Challenges of Decarbonization
Despite the growing adoption of renewable energy sources, fossil fuels still dominate 82% of the world’s energy supply. The imperative to decarbonize becomes more pressing as the share of electricity in final energy consumption is projected to increase by 80-150% by 2050. Even in regions like Europe, where solar and wind power have seen an uptick, coal consumption has paradoxically surged. This underscores the critical need for reliable and continuous electricity resources to drive deep decarbonization.
Moreover, the surging demand for critical minerals essential for clean-energy technologies, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, is poised to rise by up to 3.5 times by 2030. However, the environmental and social ramifications of establishing new mining and processing facilities for these minerals present complex challenges, exacerbated by the concentration of extraction capacities in a few nations, entailing geopolitical risks.
Issues with Conventional Nuclear Power and Alternative Solutions
Conventional nuclear power plants (NPPs) contribute approximately 10% of global electricity and prevent the emission of 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 annually. While offering several benefits, including grid integration advantages and high-skill job creation, NPPs have grappled with time, cost overruns, and nuclear accidents, as exemplified by the Fukushima disaster.
To address these concerns, countries are exploring SMRs as an alternative. SMRs are compact reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, about one-third of traditional nuclear power reactors. Their smaller size, modular design, and enhanced safety features hold promise in augmenting nuclear power’s viability.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
SMRs present a suite of advantages that position them as a game-changer in the energy landscape:
- Compact and Modular Design: SMRs are physically smaller and can be factory-assembled and transported to installation sites, expediting construction and reducing costs.
- High Efficiency and Reliability: Designed to operate for several decades with capacity factors exceeding 90%, SMRs ensure consistent low-carbon electricity production.
- Integration with Renewables: SMRs can complement renewable sources in hybrid energy systems, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
- Remote Power Generation: Their ability to adjust electricity generation according to demand makes SMRs well-suited for remote and off-grid locations.
- Safety Focus: SMRs are engineered with advanced safety features, including reduced core damage frequency and passive safety mechanisms, lowering the risk of uncontrolled radioactive releases.
Overcoming Challenges and India’s Role
While the potential of SMRs is substantial, certain challenges persist:
- Development Hurdles: SMRs are not yet operational for power generation, necessitating further research and development.
- Economic Viability: Large-scale SMR production is vital to attain economic benefits, requiring collaborations and investments.
- Regulatory Framework: Streamlining the licensing process and establishing robust regulatory mechanisms are essential for SMR deployment.
Way Forward
In light of India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, embracing SMRs could prove transformative. The synergy between established nuclear power players like BHEL, L&T, or Godrej Industries, and international technology transfer can drive down manufacturing costs. This, coupled with attracting “green” finance from entities like the Green Climate Fund, can bolster India’s nuclear power capacity.
Engaging the private sector through public-private partnerships is a pivotal strategy for decarbonizing India’s energy sector. However, legislative adjustments, such as amending the Atomic Energy Act, are necessary to facilitate private sector involvement. An efficient regulatory regime, comparable to the stringent standards of the civil aviation sector, would bolster safety and public confidence. Collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can aid in harmonizing regulatory requirements.