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According to the report titled "What if Southeast Asia goes nuclear?" by energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, Southeast Asia will need investments of about $208 billion to develop 25 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2050, with small modular reactors (SMR) emerging as the preferred choice.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

SMRs are compact nuclear reactors generating up to 300 MW per unit, about one-third the capacity of traditional reactors. Unlike large reactors, SMRs are factory-built, modular, and designed for quick deployment.

SMRs are pre-fabricated, allowing rapid installation like plugging in a device, ideal for regions needing quick energy solutions.

SMRs produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity, are:

• Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
• Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
• Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.

Why Are South Asian Countries Adopting SMRs?

Southeast Asia’s electricity demand is projected to triple by 2050, from 1,200 TWh in 2022 to 4,300 TWh. (Source: Energy for Growth Hub)

SMRs address regional needs:

• Rising Demand: Urbanization and industrialization drive energy needs in countries like Vietnam and the Philippines.
• Energy Security: Fossil fuel prices push reliance on stable nuclear power.
• Climate Goals: SMRs offer low-carbon baseload power, supporting Paris Agreement targets.
• Quick Deployment: SMRs’ quick setup suits fast-growing economies.
• Strategic Advantage: SMRs can power remote areas or industrial hubs, reducing grid upgrade costs.

Where Does India Stand in the Global SMR Landscape?

India aims for Net Zero by 2070, with nuclear power targeted to reach 100 GW by 2047 from 8.8 GW in 2025.   

In the Budget 2025, government launched a Nuclear Energy Mission with an outlay of ₹20,000 crore for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Currently, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are researching SMRs for rural electrification and industrial use.

Source: DOWNTOEARTH