India and France plan to work together on developing small modular nuclear reactors as part of their energy security efforts. The move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, where he discussed the importance of nuclear energy in strengthening the country’s energy mix.
The partnership aims to develop small modular reactors that can be built in factories and transported to locations for assembly and installation. These reactors are significantly smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, requiring less land and infrastructure.
The cooperation signals a shift in India’s nuclear energy policy, with the government opening up to greater international collaboration and private sector participation. This move is part of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ambitious plans to generate 100GW of nuclear energy by 2047.
India has promised over $2bn for nuclear research and development, with a focus on developing five indigenous reactors by 2033. The partnership also represents a new direction in India’s collaboration with France on nuclear power, following the cancellation of a previous project due to concerns over safety regulations.
The move is seen as an opportunity for both countries to diversify their energy sources and reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels. With US Vice-President JD Vance set to discuss potential nuclear investments with Modi during his visit to Washington next week, it remains to be seen how this partnership will unfold in the coming years.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg8yge40eqo