Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor attains criticality; defining step: PM Modi
Indian Express·2h ago·Positivity
What Happened
India's first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu achieved criticality on Monday, initiating self-sustaining nuclear fission. The 500-megawatt reactor completes core loading begun in March 2024. Prime Minister Modi called it a defining step for India's three-stage nuclear programme. The FBR will use uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel with Uranium-238 blanket for fuel breeding. Upon commissioning, India becomes the second country after Russia with commercial operating FBR capability.
Key Entities
Fast Breeder ReactorKalpakkamTamil NaduNarendra ModiBHAVINI500 MWeIndiaRussiathorium reserves