Bharat’s atomic energy sector has reached a significant milestone with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. The country’s most sophisticated and complex nuclear reactor has received clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board or AERB to begin nuclear fuel loading and initiate a controlled chain reaction.
“This is a major achievement for Bharat’s self-reliant atomic energy program,” stated AERB Chairman Dinesh Kumar Shukla, stressing that the PFBR is designed with inherent safety features.
The PFBR marks a pivotal advancement in nuclear technology for Bharat, showcasing the use of plutonium as a nuclear fuel and paving the way for the utilisation of thorium as a future energy source.
Given Bharat’s limited uranium reserves, the focus on thorium, a resource abundant in the country, represents a strategic move towards energy independence. Experts suggest that mastering thorium technology could provide a sustainable energy solution for the next three centuries.
Fast breeder reactors are unique because they generate more fuel than they consume, making them seem like an endless energy source. The term ‘fast’ refers to the use of high-energy fast neutrons in the reactor. Bharat has already operated a Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam for 39 years, laying the groundwork for the PFBR.
The AERB described the PFBR’s permission to proceed as a crucial step towards its operationalisation. “The 500 MWe sodium-cooled PFBR being commissioned by BHAVINI at Kalpakkam is a significant milestone in the country’s nuclear power program,” the board noted. Safety reviews and inspections have been thorough, and the reactor is expected to become operational within a few months if all proceeds smoothly.
Established in 2003, Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) was tasked with developing and operating the PFBR, which is a 500 MW liquid sodium-cooled reactor. BHAVINI has now received clearances for fuel loading, initial criticality, and low power physics experiments. The PFBR represents the second stage of India’s atomic energy program, using spent fuel from existing reactors.
Despite being a first-of-its-kind reactor with anticipated delays, the PFBR has been developed indigenously with contributions from over 200 Indian industries, including MSMEs. It is expected to cost ₹6,840 crore, surpassing the initially approved cost of ₹5,677 crore.
In line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the PFBR has been fully designed and constructed in India, making India the second country after Russia to operate a commercially functioning Fast Breeder Reactor.
The reactor will initially use Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel. The surrounding Uranium-238 blanket will produce additional fuel through nuclear transmutation, hence the ‘Breeder’ designation. Future plans include utilizing Thorium-232 as a blanket to produce Uranium-233, which will fuel the reactor in the third stage of the program, further harnessing India’s thorium reserves.
On March 4, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspected the PFBR and observed the core loading, accelerating subsequent activities. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) highlights the PFBR’s advanced third-generation reactor technology, which includes passive safety features for emergency shutdowns. The use of spent fuel also reduces nuclear waste, minimizing the need for large disposal facilities.
The DAE emphasizes that despite its advanced technology, the PFBR’s capital and per-unit electricity costs are comparable to other nuclear and conventional power plants. This development is crucial for India’s energy security and sustainable development goals. The country remains committed to expanding peaceful nuclear technology applications while ensuring the security of nuclear materials. Two additional Fast Breeder Reactors are planned for construction at Kalpakkam once the DAE confirms the PFBR’s operational success.