Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company, Rosatom, has proposed transferring its small modular reactor (SMR) technology to India.
As New Delhi aims to expand its nuclear energy generation, Rosatom is exploring the possibility of setting up SMRs along India’s coastline, according to a report by the Economic Times.
Existing Ties and Past Agreements
Rosatom is already involved in developing India’s largest nuclear facility, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu.
The company had offered SMR technology cooperation to India last year, and multiple agreements signed in 2024 reflect both nations’ intent to collaborate on this front.
Technological Showcase
During his visit, Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin toured the Atom Pavilion in Moscow.
The leaders were briefed on various nuclear energy technologies, including nuclear-powered icebreakers and floating nuclear power plants.
According to Russian news agency TASS, Putin suggested that such innovations could eventually replace oil as a global energy source.
Rosatom Director General Aleksey Likhachev informed Modi that Russia could provide small nuclear reactors with deep localization and transfer the entire construction process to India.
Nuclear Energy Expansion Plans
India recently announced a $2.35 billion Nuclear Energy Mission to accelerate the sector’s growth.
The finance minister revealed plans to operationalize five SMRs by 2033. The initiative aligns with India’s goal of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
To achieve this, New Delhi intends to amend nuclear energy regulations and integrate atomic energy into its broader net-zero emissions strategy for 2070.
Competition and Industry Interest
Although Rosatom is the only foreign company currently constructing a nuclear power facility in India, the SMR market has attracted interest from the US and France.
These countries have also expressed willingness to collaborate with India on SMR technology.
Advantages of Small Modular Reactors
SMRs represent a new generation of nuclear reactors that offer several advantages.
Each unit can generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity – about one-third the capacity of a traditional nuclear power plant.
Their modular design enables manufacturers to produce them in factories. They can then be transported to installation sites for easy assembly.
SMRs require significantly less space than conventional nuclear plants, making them ideal for remote or hard-to-access areas where traditional power infrastructure is impractical and expensive.
As reported by rt.com, as India moves toward a sustainable energy future, SMRs could play a crucial role in expanding electricity access and achieving long-term clean energy goals.
