Can SMRs power India's renewable energy transition?

In Focus by The Hindu

The government is slowly but steadily, increasing its focus on nuclear energy. India's nuclear power operator NPCIL invited proposals from industry to set up captive small nuclear reactors on December 31, 2024.

This invite is in line with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement that the government would support the use of SMRs to increase the share of nuclear power in India's energy basket.

While presenting the Union Budget 2024-25 in July last year, Ms. Sitharaman announced that the government would partner with the private sector to develop SMRs. “Nuclear energy is expected to form a significant part of the energy mix for Viksit Bharat. Towards that pursuit, our government will partner with the private sector to set up Bharat Small Modular Reactors and research and develop newer technologies for nuclear energy,” she said.

What is NPCIL’s proposal? Can these SMRs help India Inc. become greener? Are there any obstacles that can derail the nuclear push? To answer these questions we bring you this episode.

Guest: Karthik Ganesan, Fellow and Director — Strategic Partnerships, at CEEW

Host: Nivedita V

Edited by Jude Francis Weston