Centre working on new technologies to boost clean energy transition: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

Dr Jitendra Singh says that SMRs aren't expected to replace conventional large-scale nuclear power plants, which serve as base load plants

PGurus Newsdesk

December 6, 2023

Dr Jitendra Singh says that SMRs aren't expected to replace conventional large-scale nuclear power plants, which serve as base load plants

Jitendra Singh says, Govt is exploring the options of collaborating with other countries and taking up indigenous development of Small Nuclear Reactors

On Wednesday, the Central government said it is working on new technologies such as Small Nuclear Reactors to fulfill its commitment to a clean energy transition.

Small capacity atomic power plants, popularly called Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with their unique features of modularity, scalability, small footprint, and improved safety present themselves as an attractive option for repurposing of retiring coal-based thermal power station sites, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the country, especially in locations not suitable for large nuclear plants, can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity. In order to move away from fossil fuel consumption, SMRs can be installed and operated for repurposing the aging fossil fuel-based power plants, he explained.

However, SMRs are not expected to serve as replacements for conventional large-sized nuclear power plants, which serve as base load plants.

Nuclear power plants are installed and operated in line with stringent regulatory requirements to contain radiation and to avoid exposure to the public in all circumstances. The techno-commercial aspects of SMRs are still in the initial stages even globally and their large-scale deployment depends on various factors, including regulatory harmonization globally by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), especially considering emergency planning zones and public acceptance, the statement added.

[With Inputs from IANS]

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.