SOOKSHMA: India's Leap Forward in Thorium-Based Nuclear Technology

India's nuclear energy ambitions are taking a giant leap forward with the development of SOOKSHMA (SUK-M), the country's first indigenous thorium-based micro reactor. Designed by IYNS TechSolutions LLP, SOOKSHMA is poised to revolutionize India's energy landscape by harnessing the power of thorium, an abundant domestic resource.

Unlike traditional uranium-based reactors, SOOKSHMA utilizes thorium as its fuel source. Thorium, when bombarded with neutrons, transmutes into uranium-233, a fissile isotope that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. This innovative approach not only reduces dependence on imported uranium but also minimizes the production of long-lived radioactive waste.

SOOKSHMA's molten salt reactor design further enhances its safety and efficiency. The molten salt serves as both the fuel and the coolant, eliminating the need for high-pressure water systems and reducing the risk of meltdowns. This inherent safety feature, coupled with the use of thorium, makes SOOKSHMA a promising candidate for a new generation of nuclear reactors.

With a power output of 10 MWe, SOOKSHMA is designed to be compact and modular, making it ideal for various applications, including powering remote areas and supporting industrial processes. Its extended refueling cycle of over 15 years ensures operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The development of SOOKSHMA represents a significant milestone in India's nuclear program. It showcases the country's technological prowess and commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The project is being closely monitored by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to ensure the highest safety standards.

While SOOKSHMA is still in the development phase, with a prototype expected by 2031, its potential impact on India's energy future is undeniable. It paves the way for a new era of thorium-based nuclear power, offering a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable alternative to traditional nuclear reactors.

SOOKSHMA is not just a technological marvel; it's a symbol of India's ambition to become a global leader in nuclear energy. By harnessing the power of thorium, India is poised to achieve energy independence and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

 

[kumar]

Good progress in using thorium as fuel.

 

[Sudha]

Thought this day would come after my passing away. Bharat has a bright future.

 

[prasant kumar shaarma]

The day it start producing nuclear energy, would be the beginning of the golden age for the Indian energy sector.

 

[Rajeev Vadjikar]

The development effort of Thorium based molten salt SOOKSHMA micro-reactor by the private sector IYNS techSolutions LLP is breaking new grounds in the world. Though Uranium based reactors are likely to remain more cost effective for the foreseeable future.

 

[Boomeranger]

The development effort of Thorium based molten salt SOOKSHMA micro-reactor by the private sector IYNS techSolutions LLP is breaking new grounds in the world. Though Uranium based reactors are likely to remain more cost effective for the foreseeable future.

molten sodium is extremely dangerous design and can explode easily with contact to water and air...

 

[Rajesh]

Great progress . Seen news about china developing a thorium based experimental reactor with less than 5 mw .

 

[bonito]

In last 20 yrs the thorium rich beaches of both east and west coast were smuggled in tons and tons by small ships to various countries to which authorities didn't even blink an eye. The smuggling hasn't stopped yet in Ramnad and tuticorin districts. There is no beach now they look as cliff.

24 yrs before DAE achieved this feet as Kamini reactor. I still feel govt isn't strong about 3rd stage reactor program. For those who don't know KAMINI (Kalpakkam Mini reactor), is the world's only thorium-based experimental reactor. It produces 40MW of thermal energy at full power as on 2000. Had the greatest nuclear scientist Dr Home baba not been killed by CIA India would be generating 20% of its energy by nuclear energy. It was his 100 yrs (2050) vision that India generate 50% of its energy needs.

 

[pradip Mandge]

A 3D printable alloy designed for extreme environment is developed by NASA,named GRX- 810. PDF is available. Metal additive technology is common now., joint less and fastener less, unit has more strength.

 

[Nympton]

molten sodium is extremely dangerous design and can explode easily with contact to water and air...

Which is probably why they are not using molten sodium.

 

[Pad UwU]

Good progress we need more clean nuclear energy... Sooner in future we might see this useful in colonizing space, moon and mars😻 plus the development of a real mobile suit armor or GUNDAM in real life😹😹😹

 

[SK]

I hope that India gets to see the Indigenous PFBR commissioned within 5-years with mass production of Indigenous FBRs.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The size should be designed to be transportable and hundreds of these reactors installed in small towns . villages , steel , cement and fertilizer plants and polluting industries . for refueling replacement reactors installed and for servicing old reactors transported to remote sites all over India where fuel rods and other repairs maintenance and replacement of parts , pipes and pumps can be done .