India's Nuclear Programme and Light Water Reactors (LWRs)

India is advancing its nuclear power sector by integrating private sector participation and aiming for a stake in the export market. A priority has been set to fabricate an indigenous Light Water Reactor (LWR), which is crucial for maximizing India's leverage with foreign vendors and aligning with international standards.

Significance of Light Water Reactors

• LWRs form a mainstay of the global nuclear program, using light water, enriched uranium, and featuring simpler design, lower construction costs, and high thermal efficiency.
• They account for over 85% of the civil nuclear reactor capacity worldwide.
• Using normal water as both coolant and moderator, they have technological overlap with thermal power units like coal-fired and gas-based plants.
• LWRs benefit from economies of scale, leading to lower construction costs and more thermal efficiency.
• Countries like the US, Russia, and France extensively use LWRs, supporting their dominance in international reactor fleets.

India's Indigenous LWR Development

• Development of an indigenous LWR is expected to boost India's negotiating power globally.
• Legal frameworks, like the SHANTI Act, facilitate integration into the global LWR ecosystem while maintaining strengths in heavy water reactors.
• India's expertise in heavy water reactors (PHWRs), from 220 MWe to 700 MWe units, positions it to adapt and expand in the nuclear sector.

India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme

• Stage 1: Utilizes Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with natural uranium fuels to generate electricity and produce plutonium (Pu239).
• Stage 2: Focuses on Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) like those in Kalpakkam, which enhance nuclear capacity and convert fertile thorium into fissile uranium (U233).
• Stage 3: Based on the ThU233 cycle, using U233 for advanced reactors, ensuring long-term energy security. The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) and molten salt reactors are proposed for this stage.

SHANTI Act, 2025

• The SHANTI Act marks a significant shift in governance of India's nuclear power sector.
• It replaces earlier laws with a comprehensive umbrella law, aligning with global nuclear commerce norms.
• The Act permits both public and private companies to set up nuclear power plants and engage in nuclear activities like transport, storage, and export of nuclear materials.