A Certification programme on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) was conducted by PMI from 16th September to 18th September 2024 in collaboration with IIT Jammu in which 31 executives from various departments and stations participated. Based on recent policy developments and sectorial challenges, this is a unique certification programme conducted by PMI and IIT Jammu on Small Modular Reactors (SMR). Over the course of three days, participants learnt the intricacies of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs across US, China and Europe).

The programme included 12 sessions covering various aspects such as the imperatives of nuclear energy and its capacity requirements for a Viksit Bharat with commitments to Net Zero, the history of nuclear power safety and safeguards for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and the role of nuclear energy in the global energy mix with its advantages and challenges. Topics also included an introduction to SMRs, key differences between SMRs and traditional nuclear power plants (NPPs), the current status and prospects of SMRs, site selection and preparation, modular construction concepts and requirements, SMR instrumentation and control with a common control room for multiple units, financing models for SMR projects, cost comparisons between SMRs and traditional reactors, the licensing process for SMRs, challenges in regulation and compliance, and public perception and community engagement addressing social and environmental concerns.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Arun Nayak, Head of Nuclear Controls and Planning at Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and Shri Prasenjit Pal, Executive Director (Nuclear) NTPC, discussed past and upcoming developments in the field of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Other eminent speakers included Prof. P. K. Vijayan, Distinguished Scientist and former Director of BARC; Prof. Kannan Iyer, Dean IIT Jammu; Shri A. K. Balasubramanian, former Director (Technical) and Distinguished Scientist at NPCIL; Dr. Revankar, Professor (Nuclear Engineering) & Director (Multiphase and Fuel Cell Research Laboratory) Purdue University, USA; Shri Rahul Porwal, Scientific Officer, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board; and Shri S. A. Bhardwaj, former Director (Technical) NPCIL.