India has reached a significant milestone in its nuclear energy program as the indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu achieved criticality.
PM Modi praised this landmark achievement. In a social media post last night, he stated that India is taking an important step in its civil nuclear journey, moving forward in the second stage of the country’s three-stage nuclear program.
India Prototype achieve nuclear milestone
Emphasizing the technological importance of the reactor, the Prime Minister noted that this reactor, which produces more fuel than it consumes, showcases the nation’s scientific skills and engineering strength. He also described this as a crucial step towards using India’s vast thorium reserves in the third stage of the program. PM Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the project, calling it a proud moment for India.
500 Megawatt prototype located at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu
The 500 Megawatt electric Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor PFBR is located at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu and is operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI). It is an essential part of India’s long-term nuclear strategy. Once fully operational, India will be the second country, after Russia, to have a commercial fast breeder reactor. Criticality denotes the moment when a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction.
This is an important milestone before full power generation. It shows that the reactor core is working as intended. It also strengthens India’s position in nuclear technology and clean energy production.
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