India Achieves Milestone With Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor

Why in the News ?

India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has attained criticality, marking a major step in the second stage of the nuclear programme. The achievement strengthens India’s push for clean energy, technological self-reliance, and thorium-based nuclear development, contributing to a pollution free environment through low-carbon energy generation.

Key Features and Achievement of PFBR:

●  The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) has achieved criticality, enabling a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.

●  Developed and operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) after obtaining necessary environmental clearances and regulatory approvals.

●  A fast breeder reactor produces more fissile fuel than it consumes, enhancing fuel efficiency.

●  Built indigenously with contributions from 200+ Indian industries, including MSMEs.

●  Located in the coastal regulation zone at Kalpakkam, the facility underwent comprehensive environmental impact assessment procedures before construction.

●  Marks a crucial milestone before full-scale power generation and commercial operation.

Strategic and Technological Significance

●  Advances the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme.

●  Facilitates utilisation of plutonium-based fuel, paving the way for thorium utilisation in the third stage.

●  Strengthens India’s position in advanced nuclear technology and clean energy generation, adhering to the precautionary principle in nuclear safety and environmental protection.

●  Once operational, India will become the second country after Russia with a commercial fast breeder reactor.

●  Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous technology and reducing import dependence.

●  The project complied with EIA notification requirements and provisions under the Forest Conservation Act for land use, ensuring no ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances were needed.

Understanding India’s Nuclear Programme: ●  Three-stage nuclear programme:○   Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using uranium.○   Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium.○   Stage 3: Thorium-based reactors (India has large thorium reserves). ●  Criticality: stage where reactor achieves sustained chain reaction. ●  Fast breeder reactors enhance fuel sustainability by generating more fissile material. ●  Important for energy security, low-carbon energy, and long-term sustainability, following principles of environmental jurisprudence in project implementation. ●  Key institutions: BHAVINI, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). ●  Nuclear projects must obtain environmental clearance and comply with regulatory frameworks, embodying the polluter pays principle for accountability.