'SMR viability a question until orders scale, local value addition nears 100%', Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Anil Kakodkar suggests India can use its PHWR capacity to convert thorium to fissile uranium, enabling the launch of the thorium phase of India's nuclear program earlier.
• The SHAKTI Act 2025 modifies provisions of right of recourse in the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, opening doors for private and foreign participation in nuclear power.
• Kakodkar emphasizes that PHWR technology is mature, economically competitive, safe, and ideal for converting thorium into fissile uranium.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are suitable for localized applications, but their viability depends on large order volumes and near 100% local value addition.

Detailed Insights:

• The modification of right of recourse aims to resolve challenges with supplier liability under the Civil Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, potentially encouraging new suppliers.
• Scaling up PHWR capacity requires additional players, facilitated by NPCIL mentoring and enabling provisions in the new act, to reach 50-80 GW by 2047.
• Nuclear power is competitive without subsidies and should be treated on par with renewables, backed by a clean energy fund and given must-run status.
• PHWRs are flexible in fuel cycle and an ideal platform for large-scale conversion of thorium, enabling a quicker transition to thorium based nuclear power generation.
• While Light Water Reactors (LWR) can provide useful additionality, India should prioritize becoming technology and energy independent by leveraging thorium.
• SMRs present a risk of major accidents due to the larger number of reactor units, unless their safety is at a correspondingly higher level.
• Fast breeder reactor development remains important for producing fissile material through breeding if uranium import faces challenges, ensuring self-reliance.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PHWR (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor): A nuclear reactor that uses heavy water as its coolant and moderator.
• Fissile Uranium: A type of uranium capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction.
• Thorium: A naturally occurring, slightly radioactive metal that can be used as a nuclear fuel.
• SMR (Small Modular Reactor): A nuclear fission reactor that is smaller than conventional nuclear reactors.