Why Nuclear Microreactors (VSMRs) are Way Ahead for Climate-Friendly Electricity in India - 2024

Nuclear Power Industry

Date posted: 01/13/24

Sharma reported early 2024 that microreactors (VSMRs) are a very small form of nuclear reactors that are much safer, more portable, more scalable, and can efficiently power large areas. While India’s Lakshadweep islands are being touted as an alternative to the extremely popular Maldives, some infrastructural concerns have been raised. Key among them is electricity to power this expansion. There is a global thrust for a strategy to use nuclear power that could reduce
reliance on fossil fuels.

The Lakshadweep Tourism Policy highlighted that 90 per cent of the electricity is produced by diesel generators. This is not only cost-ineffective but also bad for the coral island ecosystem.Of course, generating climate-friendly power is not a problem limited to Lakshadweep. The whole of India struggles with it. Most renewable energy provides comparatively low power output, and setting up a nuclear plant is too tedious a task to fulfil in a short time. But there is a third option: microreactors. Microreactors are a very small form of nuclear reactors that are much safer, more portable, more scalable, and can efficiently power large areas. Essentially, one nuclear microreactor placed in Lakshadweep could take care of all the power requirements of the island.

Junior Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said that nuclear power is considered one of the most promising clean energy options and small-capacity atomic power plants are an attractive option for repurposing retiring coal-based thermal power station sites.

There is a global thrust for a strategy to use nuclear power that could reduce reliance on fossil fuels over the coming years. The Indian Youth Nuclear Society said that it is designing India's first indigenous microreactor, aligning with the Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Exciting Announcement: IYNS will be designing India's first indigenous Micro Reactor, named "SOOKSHMA (SUK-M)", aligning with the Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives. The SUK-M is specifically designed for Integrated Hybrid Nuclear Plant Systems, significantly contributing to India's commitment to achieving #NetZero and supporting the Green Hydrogen Initiative in line with United Nations #sdgs. This marks a step towards India's journey in becoming self-sufficient in the clean energy transition.

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