India and France join hands to develop advanced nuclear reactors
What's the story
India and France have announced plans to jointly develop advanced nuclear reactors, particularly focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs).
The decision was formalized through a letter of intent signed after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for bolstering energy security and moving toward a low-carbon economy.
Nuclear innovation
SMRs and AMRs: A new era in nuclear energy
SMRs are small nuclear fission reactors that can be built in factories and deployed at different sites.
They have a smaller capacity than conventional nuclear reactors, making them ideal for regions where larger plants are impractical.
The partnership seeks to enhance cooperation in nuclear R&D and training and education of nuclear professionals.
Energy goals
India's nuclear energy mission and legislative changes
India is looking to make major strides in its nuclear energy sector, targeting 100GW of nuclear power by 2047.
The government has launched a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission to support SMR research and development.
Under this, India aims to operationalize at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033.
To encourage private sector participation, India is mulling amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act.
Energy contribution
Nuclear power's current contribution and future prospects
Currently, nuclear power accounts for 1.8% of India's total installed power capacity and about 3% of total electricity generation, saving around 41 million tons of carbon dioxide every year.
In its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy submitted to the UN Climate Change office in 2022, India envisioned a threefold rise in installed nuclear capacity by 2032.
International collaboration
Renewed cooperation and upcoming discussions on nuclear power
The partnership with France builds on existing civil nuclear ties, including cooperation on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project.
Both countries have renewed a memorandum of understanding, concerning cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP).
The agreement comes ahead of PM Modi's scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump, where nuclear power is expected to be discussed.
The collaboration with France signals India's commitment to partnering with other nations for advanced technology amidst global trade uncertainties.