What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

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About Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):

They are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.
SMRs, which can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity, are:
- Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
- Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
- Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
Advantages:
- Relatively small physical footprints;
- Reduced capital investment;
- Can be factory-built unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on–site;
- Ability to be sited in locations not possible for larger nuclear plants;
- Provisions for incremental power additions;
- It also offer distinct safeguards, security and nonproliferation advantages.
They can be used for power generation, process heat, desalination, or other industrial uses.
SMRs can offer a carbon free, clean energy alternative to fossil fuels.

Q1) What is Nuclear Fission?

Fission occurs when a neutron slams into a larger atom, forcing it to excite and split into two smaller atoms—also known as fission products. Additional neutrons are also released that can initiate a chain reaction. When each atom splits, a tremendous amount of energy is released.

Source: India working on small modular reactors: Jitendra Singh