Maharashtra-ROSATOM MoU for Thorium Small Modular Reactor
Why in the news
Maharashtra’s power utility MAHAGENCO has signed an MoU with ROSATOM, Russia’s state nuclear company, to work on a thorium-based small modular reactor in the state. The pact was reported on 12 April 2025 and is being called a first for an Indian state.
Key facts
- Parties: MAHAGENCO and ROSATOM’s small modular reactor initiative, with strategic support from MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation).
- Aim: jointly develop a thorium reactor in Maharashtra, commercialise the technology and set up local manufacturing under the Make in Maharashtra campaign.
- Fuel cycle: thorium-232 is converted into fissile uranium-233, which then generates power.
- Coordination: a joint working group will oversee the effort.
- Approvals: the Centre must clear the project, and all work must follow Government of India and AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) guidelines.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Indian party | MAHAGENCO |
| Foreign party | ROSATOM (Russia) |
| Technology | Thorium-based SMR |
| Regulator | AERB |
About small modular reactors
SMRs are compact reactors built in modules. They are described as safer and more efficient than conventional plants, and their passive safety features allow automatic shutdown in an emergency. India holds large thorium reserves, mainly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, but has no operating thorium reactor yet. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is expected to use thorium-232 eventually.
Exam angle
- Remember the pair: MAHAGENCO and ROSATOM.
- Thorium-232 becomes uranium-233.
- Nuclear energy is a Central subject, so a state needs the Centre’s approval; AERB is the safety regulator.
- Link with India’s three-stage nuclear programme, where thorium has a long-term role.