India’s nuclear leap: Why its fast breeder reactor success matters
Al Jazeera·2h ago·Positivity
What Happened
India's prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu reached criticality on Monday, marking a major advancement in the country's nuclear programme. The 500-megawatt reactor produces more fuel than it consumes, making India only the second country after Russia with a commercial fast breeder reactor. This achievement enables India to reduce uranium dependence and prepare for thorium-based reactors, addressing the country's vast thorium reserves.
Key Entities
IndiaPrototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PBFR)KalpakkamTamil NaduNarendra ModiIndira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)RussiaThoriumUraniumPlutonium