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India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Achieves First Criticality

  • 08 Apr 2026

On 6th April 2026, India’s 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu achieved first criticality, marking a major milestone in the country’s nuclear energy programme.

Key Points

  • Criticality:
    • Criticality is the stage at which a nuclear chain reaction can continue on its own.
    • Does not mean electricity generation has started.
    • Achieved after safety clearance by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
  • Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam:
    • Designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
    • Constructed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI).
    • Built with strong indigenous technology and expertise.
  • What is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR):
    • Produces more nuclear fuel than it consumes.
    • Uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel.
    • Converts uranium-238 into plutonium-239 using fast neutrons.
  • Technology Used:
    • Liquid sodium used as coolant for high efficiency.
    • Operates on a closed fuel cycle enabling fuel recycling.
    • Supports future thorium utilisation.
  • Role in India’s Nuclear Programme:
    • Part of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme.
    • Acts as a bridge between uranium-based and thorium-based reactors.
  • India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Strategy:
    • Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
    • Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (like PFBR) producing more fissile material.
    • Stage 3: Thorium-based reactors using uranium-233.
  • Significance:
    • Enhances fuel efficiency and reduces dependence on uranium imports.
    • Supports clean, low-carbon base-load energy generation.
    • Strengthens India’s expertise in advanced nuclear technologies
  • Global Context:
    • Once the reactor becomes fully operational, India will become the second country to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.
    • At present, Russia is the only country with commercially operational fast breeder reactors.
  • Future Roadmap:
    • Will undergo testing and power escalation before grid connection.
    • Success may lead to development of larger 600 MWe breeder reactors.
    • Key step towards utilising India’s vast thorium reserves.