Putin and Modi seal a key deal: India to get portable nuclear reactors, why these will be a game changer for country's energy sector
The 23rd India-Russia Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was a significant milestone for the strategic partnership.
Putin also described the in-depth dinner discussions with India as strengthening the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."
Russia is ready to provide India with SMR
The biggest announcement of this meeting was Russia's offer to provide India with Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. Putin stated that Russia is ready to provide India with small, portable, and high-tech nuclear systems. But what exactly is an SMR, and why is it considered key to India's energy revolution?
SMRs are modern, compact nuclear reactors
SMRs, or Small Modular Reactors, are modern, compact, and highly safe nuclear reactors. These are approximately one-third the size and capacity of conventional nuclear plants, but are considered faster to build, easier to install, and safer to operate.
Russia and India are jointly building Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
President Putin stated that Russia and India are jointly building the country's largest nuclear power plant, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the largest nuclear projects not only in India but also in Asia. A total of six nuclear reactors are being built here, each with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts.
Project will generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity
Once fully operational, the project will generate 6,000 megawatts (6 gigawatts) of electricity. According to Putin, three of the six reactors have already been connected to India's grid, while units 4, 5, and 6 are in various stages of construction.
Russia leads in nuclear technology
Russia is considered one of the leading countries in the field of nuclear technology. Russia built the world's first floating nuclear power station, the "Akademik Lomonosov," which has been supplying electricity and heating since 2020. This plant floats in the sea and can provide energy to any coastal area as needed.
Where will India deploy SMR technology?
India is considering deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) specifically in data centers, mountainous and inaccessible areas, large industries, major railway infrastructure projects, such as the Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway line and places where electricity is difficult to supply.
Russian company Rosatom has also demonstrated to India a model of a floating SMR plant, which can be transported by sea if needed.
SMR is important for India
Electricity demand in India is growing rapidly, and renewable energy production is not stable due to its weather dependence. SMR technology will provide consistent base-load power, reduce carbon emissions and provide continuous energy support to industries. It will also reduce dependence on large coal-fired thermal plants.
Prakash Kumar Pandey