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China’s Advancements in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Programme and Its Implications for India
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Context
China's advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs) and the strategic implications for India highlight the urgent need for India to accelerate its own SMR program and collaborate with the United States to counterbalance China's growing influence.
China’s Advancements in Small Modular Reactors:
- Linglong One SMR: China reached a significant milestone by installing the core module of the Linglong One SMR in Hainan Province. This reactor exemplifies the advantages of SMRs, such as size, portability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
- Expansion of Nuclear Capacity: China’s nuclear energy program is set to surpass the US in total nuclear power capacity within the next decade. Nearly two dozen reactors are under construction, with the Linglong One’s commissioning imminent.
- Strategic Exports: China is poised to export SMRs globally, especially in South Asia, thereby extending its influence. Past collaborations with Pakistan at the Chashma Complex exemplify this strategy.
Strategic Implications for India:
- Growing Chinese Influence: China’s nuclear exports could lead to long-term dependencies for recipient countries, potentially compromising their sovereignty through unsustainable financing models akin to the Hambantota Port scenario in Sri Lanka.
- US Concerns: US officials have expressed concerns over China’s plans for floating nuclear reactors in disputed areas like the South China Sea. These reactors could exacerbate regional tensions and impact India’s strategic interests.
- India’s Urgent Response: India needs to expedite its SMR program, leveraging international collaboration, particularly with the US, to counterbalance China’s advancements and maintain strategic stability in the region.
Policy Recommendations for India:
- Public-Private Partnerships with the US: India should forge a robust SMR partnership with the US, building on the nuclear cooperation agreed upon during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Washington in June 2023. Addressing policy and regulatory challenges, such as India’s nuclear liability law, is crucial.
- Access to Advanced Technologies: Collaboration with American companies like Holtec International can provide India with cutting-edge SMR technologies, facilitating deployment in diverse environments and utilizing existing infrastructure.
- Strengthening Domestic Ecosystem: An SMR partnership would enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities, create jobs, and align with Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Establishing a regional SMR grouping can advance India’s climate and foreign policy goals.
UPSC Mains Questions:
Q. Analyze the role of small modular reactors in India’s energy strategy. How can international collaborations enhance India’s capabilities and contribute to its climate and foreign policy objectives?
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