India and the US just unlocked a key milestone in nuclear energy cooperation, with Washington green lighting tech transfer for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
SMRs are small, modular nuclear reactors designed for safer, more flexible power generation. They require less space, can be built faster, and generally are about the size of a two-story building. They’re expected to play a big role in powering AI data centers.
Holtec International, a US-based nuclear specialist, received approval from the Department of Energy to share its SMR technology with India. It will work with Holtec Asia, L&T, and Tata Consulting Engineers to co-develop reactors locally.
This marks a breakthrough in the long-stalled Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, signed way back in 2007. Until now, American firms were barred from designing or manufacturing nuclear plants in India.
The deal comes weeks after PM Modi and President Trump met to push forward clean energy collaboration.
Why it matters: India currently gets just 1.8% of its power from nuclear energy.
