Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

04.02.2025

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Why in the news?                        

The Finance Minister recently announced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMR).

About Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):

• SMRs are defined as small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 Megawatt electric (MWe) and which can produce 7.2 million kWh per day.
• By comparison, large-size nuclear power plants have an output of over 1,000 MWe and can produce 24 million kWh per day.
• SMRs, which can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity, are:
  • Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
  • Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
  • Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.

Advantages:

• • Relatively small physical footprints;
  • Reduced capital investment;
  • Can be factory-built, unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on-site;
  • Ability to be sited in remote locations, not possible for larger nuclear plants;
  • Provisions for incremental power additions;
• Power plants based on SMRs may require less frequent refueling, every 3 to 7 years, in comparison to between 1 and 2 years for conventional plants.
  • Some SMRs are designed to operate for up to 30 years without refueling.
• It also offers distinct safeguards, security and non-proliferation advantages.
• They are well suited to be integrated into energy hubs in combination with other sources of energy.
• They are adapted to supply electricity and additionally capable of supplying heat for industrial applications, district heating, as well as for the production of hydrogen.

                                                           Source: The Hindu

Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):

1. They are small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 1000 Megawatt electric (MWe).

2. They use nuclear fusion to generate heat to produce energy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer D