India and France decided to collaborate on the development of next-generation nuclear reactors, such as advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) for civil use, during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to France. Additionally, they indicated that work on building three more Scorpène-class submarines for the Indian Navy was underway.
India and France have stated plans to work together to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs), highlighting the significance of nuclear power for energy security and the shift to a low-carbon economy. They agreed to work together on SMRs and AMRs by signing a letter of intent.
France and India have decided to work together on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors. Nuclear energy is seen by both nations as crucial to energy security and the shift to a low-carbon economy.
To form a collaboration on SMRs and advanced modular reactors, a Declaration of Intent was signed.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) pertaining to collaboration with the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) was also extended between the French Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CAE) and India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
The GCNEP seeks to foster capacity-building and international cooperation in nuclear energy research and development.
By 2033, India intends to have a minimum of five SMRs. SMRs can be produced in factories and installed in other locations, but they have a smaller capacity than traditional nuclear reactors.
France refrained from joining the Quad, an alliance formed by the United States, Japan, Australia, and India to oppose China’s plans for Indo-Pacific expansion.
SMRs can produce up to 300 MW(e) of power per unit, which is roughly one-third of what conventional nuclear power reactors can produce. SMRs are manufactured in factories and use modular technology. For on-site installation, their systems and parts can be transported as a single unit after being factory-assembled. The modular design makes it possible to add power incrementally, which is perfect for expanding energy requirements.Natural convection and gravity-driven cooling are examples of passive safety features used by SMRs that help avoid overheating without the need for external power or human intervention. Additionally, because of their lower power, the source term is shortened and the reactor’s radioactive inventory is reduced. SMRs can be placed in areas that might not be appropriate for larger nuclear plants because of their small size. They are appropriate for isolated areas and particular uses like desalination or mining because they don’t need as much access to cooling water. They are suitable for smaller grid systems and uses such as water desalination and district heating due to their small size.
Prefabrication in controlled settings saves money and time during on-site construction. SMRs are made with sophisticated features and are intended to be used asa plant with one or more modules. As part of its clean energy transition, India wants to produce 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047. A collaboration program centered on SMRs and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) has been initiated between France and India. India plans to collaborate in the co-production, co-development, and co-design of AMRs and SMRs.
India and France confirmed Wednesday in a joint statement that they are proceeding with the construction of three additional French-designed Scorpène-class “hunter-killer” submarines in Mumbai. The capabilities of the Indian Navy will be greatly improved by this partnership.
The most recent addition to India’s fleet of six Scorpène submarines is the INS Vagsheer. These submarines are being built in partnership with the French Naval Group and use domestic technology, including the Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. By enabling the submarines to stay underwater for extended periods of time, the AIP system lessens the likelihood that they will be discovered.About 60% of the new submarines will be indigenous, which is almost twice as much as the six Scorpène submarines that came before them. The three new submarines, which are marginally bigger than the previous six, will have some design changes and resemble the submarines provided to the Brazilian Navy.
The cost of installing an Air Independent Propulsion System is not included in the over ₹36,000 crore deal for these submarines. Additionally, India and France are talking about possible joint ventures in the production of jet engines, helicopters, and missile systems. India has also made its Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher available to France.
Along with the submarine agreement, India is also interested in purchasing 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft from France.
The extra Scorpène submarines were authorized for purchase in 2023.are anticipated to revitalize the submarine division of the Indian Navy.India presented the DRDO-developed Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher to France. An India-France Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap was introduced by both nations. Both leaders praised advancements in cooperation, including indigenization, in the building of Scorpène submarines in India.
