An MOU is signed by Maharashtra and Russia’s ROSATOM to develop a small modular reactor based on thorium.
Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company ROSATOM and Maharashtra have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on the development of a thorium-based Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
.In the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the deal was signed on April 11, 2025, at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. It represents a major advancement in renewable energy technology. The “Small Modular Reactor with Thorium Fuel” program of ROSATOM and Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd. (MAHAGENCO) are working together on this project.
The primary objectives include developing thorium reactors in Maharashtra, commercializing thorium reactor technology in compliance with Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety standards, and establishing a local assembly line under the state’s “Make in Maharashtra” initiative.
The project will get strategic assistance from the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), which will guarantee compliance with AERB and Government of India norms.
Coordination and research activities will be supervised by a collaborative working group that includes members from MAHAGENCO, ROSATOM Energy Projects, MITRA, and Global Technology Alliance. During implementation, all legal requirements pertaining to the development of nuclear energy and safety measures set forth by the Indian government shall be closely followed.
With this collaboration, Maharashtra is taking a bold step into the nuclear energy sector, which is typically overseen by India’s Department of Atomic Energy. Reactors for thorium are seen to be a potential way to use India’s large thorium stockpiles while advancing clean energy objectives.
The collaboration also underscores India’s growing ties with Russia in nuclear technology development. ROSATOM’s expertise in SMRs and advanced reactor designs is expected to complement India’s ambitions for energy independence and sustainability.
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