Putin-Modi’s explosive deal! India will get portable nuclear reactor, what are its benefits?

SMR Benefits India: The 23rd India-Russia summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was very important in terms of strategic partnership. In the joint press conference, PM Modi said that Putin’s visit to India in this period is historic, because the relations between the two countries are crossing many big milestones.

At the same time, Putin also described the intensive dinner talks with India as strengthening the “special and privileged strategic partnership”.

Key to India’s energy revolution

The biggest announcement of this meeting was Russia’s offer to provide Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to India. Putin said that Russia is ready to provide small, portable and high-tech nuclear systems to India. But what is SMR and why is it being considered the key to India’s energy revolution?

What is SMR?

SMR i.e. Small Modular Reactor are modern, compact and extremely safe nuclear reactors. These are about one-third the size and capacity of conventional nuclear plants, but are considered faster to build, easier to install, and safer to operate.

The country’s largest nuclear power plant

President Putin said that Russia and India together are building the country’s largest nuclear power plant, which is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant located in Tamil Nadu. It is included in the biggest nuclear projects not only in India but also in Asia. A total of 6 nuclear reactors are being built here and each reactor has a capacity of 1000 MW.

After the entire project is commissioned, 6000 MW (6 GW) electricity will be produced from here. According to Putin, three of the six reactors have already been connected to India’s grid, while Units 4, 5 and 6 are in different stages of construction.

Why is Russia ahead in this technology?

Russia is considered among the top countries in the field of nuclear technology. Russia built the world’s first floating nuclear power station ‘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 per the need.

Where will India deploy SMR technology?

India is considering installing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) specifically in the following areas:

• data center
• hilly and difficult terrain
• big industries
• Large railway infrastructure projects, such as Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway line
• Places where electricity is difficult

Russian company Rosatom has also shown the model of floating SMR plant to India, which can be taken anywhere by sea if required.

Also read:- PM Modi’s big gift to Russians, e-tourist visa will now be absolutely free for 30 days

Why is SMR important for India?

The demand for electricity in India is continuously increasing and renewable energy production is not stable due to its dependence on weather. In this situation, SMR technology:

• Will provide continuous base-load power
• will reduce carbon emissions
• Will provide continuous energy support to industries
• Will reduce dependence on large coal-based thermal plants