Why in News?
On 6 April 2024, India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, reached criticality. This is a monumental milestone, marking the official start of a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction and the successful entry into the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power program.
Key Features
- Sodium-cooled pool-type fast breeder reactor generating 500 MWe using Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
- Surrounding Uranium-238 blanket breeds more fissile material (plutonium-239) than consumed, hence "breeder."
- Designed for 40-year life with 100 GWd/t fuel burnup; uses 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium coolant.
Working Principle
- Fast neutrons from MOX fuel fission cause Uranium-238 in the blanket to transmute into plutonium-239, producing excess fuel.
- No moderator used; thorium-232 blanket planned later to breed Uranium-233 for stage three.
- Closed fuel cycle reduces waste and supports India's thorium abundance for long-term energy.
Significance
- Enables second stage of three-stage program: PHWRs (stage 1) → FBRs (stage 2) → Thorium-based (stage 3).
- Cuts nuclear waste via spent fuel reuse; passive safety features ensure automatic shutdown in emergencies.
- Boosts energy security; paves way for more FBRs at Kalpakkam and beyond 2030.
Development History
- Designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR); built by BHAVINI; construction started 2004.
- Cost rose from ₹3,500 crore to ₹7,700 crore due to 20+ years of delays from technical issues.
- Core loading began March 2024 (witnessed by PM Modi); AERB approved criticality approach July 2024; full fuel load October 2025.
Download Pdf
Get in Touch
