Budget 2024-25: Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Indian Economy: Nuclear Energy
- •Source: DTE*
Context: The Union Budget 2024-25 emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy in India’s energy mix, particularly through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The government will partner with the private sector to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs).
What are Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)?
Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) are a type of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) designed for India’s energy needs. These reactors are compact, factory-built nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW. They aim to provide a safe, cost-effective, and low-carbon energy source, particularly suitable for locations that cannot accommodate larger nuclear plants. The development of BSRs involves collaboration between the Indian government and the private sector.
This marks a historic shift in India’s nuclear policy, as the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 previously barred private sector participation. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), aligned with global trends in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), are based on India’s existing Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor technology. They aim to enhance nuclear energy’s contribution, currently at 1.6%, to India’s energy mix.
India’s Three stage Nuclear Programme:
In 1954, India established the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to harness nuclear resources for peaceful purposes, following Dr. Bhabha’s vision of self-reliance in nuclear energy.
Present status: With 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalakand, India is finally ready to start the second stage. However, experts estimate that it would take India at least another four decades before it has built up a sufficient fissile material inventory to launch the third stage.
• Globally, countries like Russia, Argentina, Canada, China, South Korea, and the US are already developing or licensing SMRs.
Use of nuclear power: electricity generation with over 20 reactors in operation, Scientific studies at BARC, Nuclear medicine, crop improvement, and food preservation are practical applications, while strategic deterrence is maintained for national security.
Challenges: India’s nuclear program has been subject to international sanctions and restrictions due to its status as a nuclear-armed nation outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Technological dependence on imported technology and equipment.
Small modular reactors and its advantages:
The term refers to a class of modern reactors that are essentially “small”, and each unit can be manufactured in a factory and transported to a location for installation. They are envisaged for markets such as remote applications or for remote locations with limited grid capacity.
Reactor | Power Capacity
Large, Conventional Reactor | 700+ MW(e)
Small Modular Reactor | Up to 300 MW(e)
Micro Reactor | Up to ~10 MW(e)
More about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
SMRs 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 for electricity production or direct application.
Capacity | Ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe.
Classification | Land-based water-cooled SMRs, Marine based water cooled SMRs, High-temperature gas-cooled SMRs (HTGRs), Liquid metal-cooled fast neutron spectrum SMRs (LMFRs), etc
Status of development (globally) | At present, nearly 80 SMR designs are in the development and licensing stages, and a few of them are in the deployment and operational stages.
Advantages | Manufactured off-site: This can significantly save construction time, unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on-site.
Low running costs (lesser fuel, fewer staff) and increased efficiency.
Better control/flexibility: Generating less electricity when demand is down and are particularly useful for remote locations – have variable power generation requirements.
Safety features: Don’t need a power supply and can handle accidents without the assistance of a person or a computer.
SMRs and SDGs: SMRs can play a key role in the clean energy transition, while also helping countries achieve SDG 7 (universal access to energy).
Challenges | Lack of development: SMR industry is yet to realise a fully developed operational fabrication facility for large-scale serial manufacturing of SMR components.
Economic benefits depend on the large-scale production of SMRs.
A large number of technologies: For deployment of the SMRs at the same time, could not only create regulatory challenges for the nuclear industry but also take away some degree of cost optimisation.
Mobilising finance: For technology development, licensing and construction of prototype plants.
Way ahead | Standardisation of designs of components and modules, strategic partnerships, and harmonisation of regulatory and licensing processes will facilitate the adoption of SMRs at a large scale.
The existing safety assessment methodology should be updated.
Availability of low-cost finance, inclusion in green taxonomy and utilisation of innovative financing instruments such as green bonds, etc.
Availability of required skilled personnel across the value chain of engineering, design, testing, inspection, construction, etc.
Conclusion:
Nuclear science and technology in India has been marked by significant achievements, embracing Small Modular Reactors can pave the way for more sustainable and efficient nuclear power generation
Insta Links:
The Future of Nuclear Power in India
Mains Links:
Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor programme in India? (UPSC 2019)