On April 6, 2026, India’s 1st indigenously developed 500 Megawatt electric (MWe) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu (TN), successfully achieved first criticality, marking the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction.
- This achievement will give a significant boost to the crucial second stage of India’s 3-stage nuclear programme.
About PFBR:
Type of Breeder: It is a sodium-cooled, pool-type Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) that produces more fuel than it consumes.
Designed by: It was designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), a Research & Development (R&D) centre under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Developed by: PFBR, developed and operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) which works under the DAE.
Fuel Used: For the initial phase, FBR will operate using Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
Breeding Process: The core of the reactor is surrounded by a blanket of Uranium-238 and fast neutrons convert these fertile Uranium-238 into fissile fuel.
Significance: Once operational, India will be the second country after Russia to run a commercial Fast Breeder Reactor.
No comments yet. Be the first!