The Global Race for Small Modular Reactors: How Russia, China and India Are Revolutionizing Nuclear Energy

Russia is currently constructing a land-based SMR, while India is developing its own version.

Moscow:

As AI and machine learning transform industries worldwide, the need for reliable, clean, and scalable energy sources is growing rapidly. Small modular reactors (SMRs) - compact, factory-built nuclear power units - are emerging as a promising solution in the global energy landscape.

These SMRs, typically generating under 300 megawatts of electricity, offer versatile applications from powering isolated regions to supporting data centers. India has joined this technological race with its Bharat Small Modular Reactor project. Currently, China leads in operational SMR technology.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Dr. Alexander Volgin, Director of Projects for South Asia at Russia's Rosatom, discussed SMR potential and Russia's willingness to partner with India on this innovative technology.

"SMRs are defined by two key characteristics - 'small' indicates their reduced footprint compared to traditional nuclear plants, while 'modular' means they're assembled in factories and transportable as complete units," Dr. Volgin explained.

Unlike extensive nuclear facilities such as Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, Russian SMRs require only 15-17 hectares. "The design integrates pumps, steam generators, and nuclear fuel into one cohesive unit. It's essentially a steam-producing system connected to a separate turbine installation," noted Dr. Volgin.

Russian SMRs deliver 55 megawatts of electrical output and up to 200 megawatts of thermal energy. They use uranium fuel enriched to 20%, higher than conventional pressurized water reactors but within safety parameters.

"These reactors are remarkably compact. They can be transported by rail, making them perfect for remote locations, islands, or areas currently dependent on diesel power," he added.

Russia is already building a land-based SMR in Yakutia and has contracted to provide six units to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, China has commissioned a 100 MW land-based SMR as a demonstration unit.

"There's significant momentum now," Dr. Volgin stated. "Many nations are developing proprietary SMR designs - including France, the US, and China. However, Russia pioneered this technology, having operated small reactors on icebreakers since the 1950s. Our RITM-200 reactor evolved from that expertise."

Dr. Alexander Volgin

India is making substantial progress as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established an ambitious target of 100 gigawatt (GW) of nuclear capacity within India's net-zero roadmap by 2070. The indigenous Bharat Small Modular Reactor is under development at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, and Russia expresses interest in collaboration.

"We stand ready to supply additional energy solutions through various reactor types - large-scale, small-scale, floating units, or advanced designs," said Dr. Volgin.

When questioned about potential co-development of India's Bharat SMR, Dr. Volgin responded definitively: "Should the Department of Atomic Energy and BARC extend an invitation, we would certainly welcome such cooperation."

Localization initiatives are also being considered. "We're expanding our supply chain within India. We maintain close discussions with government authorities and the Department of Atomic Energy regarding localization and SMR development," he confirmed.

With India recently opening its nuclear sector to private enterprises - exemplified by the NPCIL-NTPC joint venture - Rosatom is monitoring developments with interest.

"This represents encouraging progress. We recognize the enthusiasm and capability of Indian private companies to generate green energy. We'll explore all potential opportunities," Dr. Volgin remarked.

Safety remains paramount in nuclear development. With over 400 reactor-years of operational experience on Russian icebreakers without incidents, Rosatom expresses confidence in SMR safety.

"These reactors incorporate both passive and active safety systems. They feature accident-tolerant designs with inherent safety features," he emphasized.

SMRs also offer environmental benefits. "Nuclear energy provides sustainable power. These reactors can operate for five to six years without refueling," he added.

While SMRs may have higher per-unit electricity costs compared to larger facilities, their reduced capital requirements, faster deployment timelines, and operational flexibility make them well-suited for powering AI-driven data centers, remote industrial zones, and island communities.

"India's vast geography and diverse needs create opportunities for various reactor types - including Bharat SMRs, conventional large-scale units, and floating reactors," Dr. Volgin noted.

As India pursues its 100 GW nuclear ambition, domestically produced small reactors from India's private sector could play a crucial role in this energy transformation.