Context:
India’s nuclear energy programme is set to enter a transformative phase as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, nears commissioning. According to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the PFBR is expected to achieve first criticality by 2025-26 and full commissioning by September 2026.
This development signals the beginning of Stage-II of India’s three-stage nuclear programme aimed at recycling spent fuel and enhancing energy sustainability.
Key Features of the PFBR
- Capacity: 500 MW
- Fuel: Plutonium-based Mixed Oxide (MOX)
- Coolant: Liquid Sodium
- Developer: Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI)
- Core loading commenced in March 2024, witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The PFBR will utilise spent fuel from Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and breed more fissile material than it consumes—crucial for India’s long-term goal of using thorium-based reactors in Stage-III.
Regulatory Milestones
- In July 2023, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approved:
- Fuel loading
- First approach to criticality
- Low-power physics experiments
This approval was a key step toward operational readiness and safe commissioning.
India’s Nuclear Roadmap
Current Installed Capacity:
- 8.18 GW from operational nuclear reactors
Upcoming Additions:
- 7.30 GW under construction/commissioning
- 7.00 GW in pre-project stage
- Future Target by 2031-32: 22.48 GW
Long-term Goal:
- 55 GW by leveraging:
- 15.40 GW from indigenous PHWRs
- 17.60 GW from Light Water Reactors (via foreign cooperation)
- 3.80 GW from Fast Breeder Reactors (BHAVINI)
- Remainder through Small Modular Reactors and Bharat Small Reactors with private sector partnerships
Strategic Significance
- Second Stage Launch: PFBRs play a pivotal role in India’s closed nuclear fuel cycle strategy
- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported uranium
- Clean Energy Push: Part of the government’s nuclear mission targeting 100 GW nuclear power
- Innovation & Self-Reliance: Indigenous design and engineering expertise showcased
