What are Bharat Small Reactors?

As part of India’s plan to improve its nuclear energy powers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a plan to build Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) in her Budget 2024 speech. In a big change to India’s nuclear strategy, this effort is to work together with the private sector.

Definition

Bharat Small Reactors are small nuclear reactors that are meant to make energy on a smaller scale than regular big nuclear power plants. India’s well-known 220-megawatt pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology will be used.

Significance of Private Sector Involvement

India’s nuclear energy landscape has changed forever with the government’s promise to work with the business sector. The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 used to make it hard for private people to get involved, but this new plan wanted to increase funding and help nuclear power grow.

Why Bharat Small Reactors are Needed

BSRs provide several advantages:

• Flexibility in siting and deployment
• Faster construction timelines
• Potential cost-effectiveness

These reactors are ideal for energizing remote areas and serving large industries, aligning with global trends toward small modular reactors (SMRs).

Research and Development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors

Sitharaman also highlighted plans for research into Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center. This initiative signifies India’s intention to explore advanced nuclear technology. The emphasis on BSRs is part of India’s broader objective to diversify its energy sources and transition to cleaner options. Nuclear energy is viewed as a critical alternative to thermal power for a stable electricity supply amid rising energy demands.

Clean Energy Transition

India wants to switch to cleaner energy sources and get more energy from different sources, which is why it is focusing on BSRs. People see nuclear energy as an important option to thermal power for keeping the power on when the demand for energy goes up. It could take years for BSRs to be connected to the power grid because new rules and laws need to be made. India’s nuclear energy initiative still needs to address safety issues, deal with nuclear waste, and make sure it fits with the country’s energy goals.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2024

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs