First criticality for Indian fast breeder reactor
7 hours ago
- #India Technology
- #Nuclear Energy
- #Fast Breeder Reactor
- India's 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved first criticality on April 6, marking a key step for energy security and indigenous nuclear technology.
- Developed by IGCAR and built by BHAVINI, the PFBR faced delays due to first-of-a-kind technological issues but met all safety requirements with AERB clearance.
- The reactor uses MOX fuel to breed more fuel than it consumes, enhances uranium utilization, and prepares for future thorium use in India's three-stage nuclear program.
- Fast breeder reactors represent the second stage of India's nuclear program, with the third stage aimed at achieving a thorium-based closed fuel cycle.
- India plans to expand nuclear capacity to about 100 GW by 2047, with 17 reactors totaling 13,100 MW under construction or in pre-project stages.