Maharashtra State Power Generation Corporation Limited (MAHAGENCO) has signed a cooperation agreement with Russia’s state-owned Rosatom for the joint development of a small modular reactor (SMR) using thorium fuel.
The agreement outlines collaboration for developing and commercialising a thorium reactor in accordance with the atomic energy regulatory board (AERB) safety standards. It also includes the establishment of an assembly line under the ‘Make in Maharashtra’ initiative. The Maharashtra institution for transformation will provide strategic support, and a joint working group will coordinate the project, adhering to all Indian government and AERB regulations. According to the state government, SMRs offer advantages such as a smaller footprint and prefabricated modules, which can make deployment more flexible and cost-effective.