Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s engineering giant, is making headlines as it accelerates its entry into nuclear energy, focusing on the next big thing—Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This strategic move positions L&T at the forefront of India’s ambitious plan to add 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, while also eyeing global opportunities.
Key Highlights
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Regulatory Green Light: L&T has received a crucial regulatory nod from the US Department of Energy, allowing it to access and manufacture advanced SMR technology in collaboration with US and European partners. This approval enables L&T to localize SMR manufacturing and play a pivotal role in India’s clean energy transition.
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Global Partnerships: The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) to develop innovative thorium-based nuclear fuel (ANEEL), which is safer, generates less waste, and leverages India’s abundant thorium reserves. This partnership aims to accelerate SMR deployment both in India and globally.
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Strategic Role in India’s 100 GW Nuclear Vision: L&T is actively engaging with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India for the Bharat Small Reactors project and is involved in multiple discussions for technology tie-ups and supply of critical reactor components.
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Manufacturing Muscle: Leveraging decades of expertise, L&T is set to supply high-end reactor vessels, components, and modular structures for SMRs, with plans to establish new facilities near strategic ports for both domestic and export markets.
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Green Energy Synergy: Alongside nuclear, L&T is expanding its green portfolio with investments in green hydrogen, electrolyzer manufacturing, and blue ammonia, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
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Global Tech Interest: With tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft investing in SMRs to power AI and data centers, L&T sees a surge in international demand for its manufacturing capabilities, positioning itself as a key supplier in the evolving global SMR market.
What’s Next?
L&T’s nuclear foray comes at a time when the world is shifting from large, centralized reactors to nimble, factory-built SMRs—seen as crucial for meeting surging energy demands and decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries. With regulatory frameworks evolving and strategic partnerships in place, L&T is poised to become a powerhouse in the global nuclear renaissance.
“The global trend is now to move from these large reactors to small reactors. That technology is now available, but we’ll have to have the right tie-ups.”
— Subramanian Sarma, Whole-time Director & President (Energy), L&T
Source: Business Standard, The Hindu BusinessLine, Economic Times, Indian Express, KNN India, News On Projects, Trak.in.
