India eyes nuclear power in Andamans as China challenge grows near Malacca Strait
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is evaluating the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the installation of Small Modular Reactors. This initiative aims to support the region's growing energy needs for strategic infrastructure projects while strengthening India's maritime presence near the Malacca Strait.
Why it matters
The project highlights India's strategic efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean through infrastructure and energy development.
Scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have begun assessing potential sites for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This move could strengthen the archipelago’s energy resilience as India expands strategic and civilian infrastructure near the Strait of Malacca.A team from the Department of Atomic Energy is visiting the islands from September 4 to 8 to assess potential sites across all three districts. The exercise follows a recommendation to explore SMRs to meet the archipelago’s rapidly growing power requirements.Electricity demand is expected to rise sharply as major infrastructure projects take shape, including the International Container Transhipment Terminal, a greenfield airport and deep-water multipurpose ports.The BARC team has also briefed Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi on potential sites and other features of the proposed SMR plan.Great Nicobar ProjectThe proposed SMR sites assume added significance against the backdrop of the Great Nicobar…
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