Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor attains criticality: why this is a ‘defining step’ in India’s 3-stage n-programme
Indian Express·2h ago·Positivity
What Happened
India's first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained criticality Monday, marking a key milestone in the country's three-stage nuclear programme. The 500-megawatt reactor achieved self-sustaining nuclear fission, indicating proper core functioning. Prime Minister Modi called it a defining step toward harnessing India's thorium reserves. The reactor will use uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel initially, with uranium-238 blanket undergoing transmutation to produce additional fuel.
Key Entities
Kalpakkam Fast Breeder ReactorIndiaTamil NaduPrime Minister Narendra ModiThree-stage nuclear programmeThorium reserves500-megawatt electric reactor