SMRs can power India’s defence manufacturing, data centres and energy transition: Experts

New Delhi: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a critical component of India’s future energy strategy, with experts asserting that they can play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security, strengthening defence manufacturing capabilities, and supporting the country’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. The views were expressed during a policy dialogue organised by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) and Finovista in collaboration with Manthan, an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Experts at the event emphasized that India’s transition to a low-carbon economy cannot be achieved without a balanced energy mix that includes nuclear power. They highlighted that SMRs offer a reliable source of clean, round-the-clock electricity, making them particularly suitable for strategic sectors that require uninterrupted power supply.

Speaking at the dialogue, Prof. R. Srikanth underscored the importance of nuclear energy in India’s broader energy transition, stressing that dependable baseload power is essential alongside renewable energy sources. He noted that SMRs can provide stable electricity for critical applications where power disruptions are not an option.

Experts observed that the growing defence manufacturing sector, especially in emerging industrial corridors, requires highly reliable power systems to support mission-critical operations. Deploying SMRs near such facilities could enhance operational resilience and reduce dependence on conventional power infrastructure.

Former NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam Ltd. CEO Prasenjit Pal said India’s goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity should be viewed as a strategic necessity. According to him, nuclear energy can provide the dependable and scalable electricity required to support economic growth, industrial development and national security objectives.

The discussion also focused on the rapidly expanding data centre ecosystem in India. Participants noted that data centres require large volumes of uninterrupted, low-carbon electricity, making SMRs a potential long-term solution for powering digital infrastructure while supporting the country’s sustainability goals.

Experts further highlighted that SMRs offer several advantages, including modular construction, lower upfront capital requirements, enhanced safety features and greater flexibility in deployment. These characteristics make them suitable for industrial clusters, remote regions, retired thermal power plant sites and dedicated captive power applications.

The dialogue concluded with a consensus that SMRs can become a strategic enabler for India’s energy transition, defence preparedness and digital economy, provided supportive policies, investment mechanisms and regulatory frameworks are put in place to accelerate their deployment.

Sources: – www.uniindia.com