L&T Ventures into Nuclear Sector with Focus on SMRs
Engineering and infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced its strategic move into the nuclear energy sector, setting its sights firmly on the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The company plans to leverage this advanced technology to help drive India’s clean energy goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
With approvals already secured from the U.S. Department of Energy, L&T is positioning itself to be a major manufacturing and technology partner in this space. According to Subramanian Sarma, Whole-Time Director and Senior Executive Vice-President of L&T:
“Nuclear by nature is long gestation. 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.”
The company is now actively exploring partnerships with international SMR developers to bring this scalable and efficient nuclear solution to India.
Global Partnerships and Technology Collaborations
L&T’s plans are bolstered by a major policy decision from the United States. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy authorized Holtec International to transfer SMR technology to Indian partners including L&T. This approval opens doors for L&T to work closely with one of the global leaders in modular nuclear solutions.
Additionally, L&T has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), a U.S.-based firm specializing in next-generation nuclear fuel technologies. The partnership aims to explore the deployment of CCTE’s patented ANEEL fuel, a thorium-based fuel designed to be safer and more efficient. This collaboration enhances L&T’s ambition to become a serious player in the nuclear sector through sustainable and innovation-driven approaches.
Nuclear Energy Expansion in India and L&T’s Strategic Role
India’s push to ramp up its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047 has opened up significant opportunities for companies like L&T. With coal plants being phased out and replaced by greener alternatives, SMRs are emerging as a promising option due to their compact design, shorter construction times, and potential for modular deployment near load centers.
L&T’s experience in precision engineering, large-scale manufacturing, and project management gives it a natural edge in the nuclear domain. Its legacy in infrastructure development, including its role in building parts of India’s conventional nuclear reactors, ensures it is well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the SMR ecosystem.
By investing in advanced technologies and building international collaborations, L&T is poised to not only support India’s energy transition but also become a global supplier of SMR components and solutions. As nations worldwide look for reliable alternatives to coal and gas, L&T’s early entry into the modular nuclear market could give it a vital first-mover advantage.
