India’s Most Advanced Atomic Reactor Attains Criticality, Advancing Nuclear Ambitions

India has achieved the major milestone in its nuclear energy journey as indigenously  developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has successfully attained the criticality. This marks the vital step to advancing the country’s long term nuclear program. Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described this achievement as the defining moment and he highlights the India’s growing strength in to advanced nuclear technology. And also its commitment to the clean and sustainable energy solutions.

PFBR at Kalpakkam: A Landmark in India’s Nuclear Programme

This 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is the key project operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited.

This achievement is historical because it marks the progress in the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme. It also demonstrated the India’s ability to build the advanced nuclear reactors indigenously.

It also strengthens the country’s position among the global nuclear technology leaders. Once it fully operational India will become the second country after Russia to run the commercial fast breeder reactor.

What Does ‘Criticality’ Mean in Nuclear Science?

Criticality is a crucial stage in a nuclear reactors lifecycle.

As in simple words it is that point where the self sustaining nuclear chain reaction begins. The reactor core starts the functioning as ler design and it is a pre condition before the full power generation.

At this stage confirms that the reactor is safe, stable and it is technically sound.

Why the Fast Breeder Reactor Is Special

Unlike the conventional reactors the fast breeder reactor has a unique advantage.

Key Features

• As they produces more nuclear fuel than it consumes.
• Uses the plutonium based fuel.
• Also enhances the fuel efficiency and sustainability.

This makes it highly valuable for countries like India who has limited uranium source but have the high thorium reserves.

Boost to India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme

India’s nuclear strategy is designed and planned in three stages.

Stage 1

In the beginning the use of natural uranium in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

Stage 2

The deployment of this Fast Breeder Reactors (like PFBR) to generate the more fuel.

Stage 3

Proper utilization of thorium based reactors for the long-term energy security.

The PFBR milestone will significantly accelerates the progress toward Stage 3 in where India aims to utilize the its vast thorium reserves.

Vital Step For Clean and Self-Reliant Energy

This project showcasing the India’s commitment to the,

• The clean energy generation with low carbon emissions
• Also to reducing dependence on fossil fuels
  And strengthen the Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Around over the 200 Indian industries including the MSMEs have contributed to this project and making it truly indigenous achievement.

What Is a Fast Breeder Reactor?

A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is one of type of nuclear reactor which generates more fissile material than what it consumes.

Advantages of the FBRs are efficient use of nuclear fuel, it reduces the nuclear waste and also supports long-term energy sustainability.

This technology is considered as the game changer in nuclear energy.