Kalpakkam Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor attains criticality

The Prime Minister congratulated Indian scientists and engineers as the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, marking a major step in India’s nuclear energy journey.

Meaning of Criticality: Criticality signifies that the nuclear chain reaction has become self-sustaining in a controlled manner, an essential step before electricity generation begins.

Next Steps Before Power Generation: The reactor will undergo several low-power experiments and safety checks, and commercial operation will begin only after approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

Beginning of Second Stage: This achievement marks the start of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme, aimed at long-term energy security.

India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme: Conceptualized in the 1950s, the programme aims to reduce dependence on imported uranium and utilize India’s vast thorium reserves for sustainable energy.

Role of PFBR: The PFBR acts as a bridge between Stage I and Stage III, enabling the transition toward thorium-based reactors.

Technical Features of PFBR: The PFBR is a 500 MWe sodium-cooled, pool-type fast breeder reactor designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and built by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited under the Department of Atomic Energy.

Fuel and Working Mechanism: Unlike conventional reactors, PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel and is surrounded by a blanket of Uranium-238.

Breeding Capability: Fast neutrons convert Uranium-238 into fissile Plutonium-239, allowing the reactor to produce more fuel than it consumes.

Future Use of Thorium: The reactor is designed to eventually use Thorium-232, which can be converted into Uranium-233—fuel for the third stage of the programme.

Current Nuclear Capacity: India currently operates 23 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of about 7.48 GWe, primarily using Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).