Why does India want fast breeder nuclear reactors? | Explained
The Hindu·2h ago·Positivity
What Happened
India's prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam achieved criticality on April 6, marking a significant milestone. Fast breeder reactors use plutonium fuel more efficiently than current pressurised heavy water reactors, achieving 10% fuel use versus 1%. They serve as a bridge in India's three-stage nuclear programme, utilizing plutonium and depleted uranium to eventually enable thorium-based power generation, ensuring India's nuclear self-sufficiency given limited uranium reserves.
Key Entities
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)KalpakkamIndiaHomi BhabhaIndira Gandhi Centre for Atomic ResearchBharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam LtdPlutoniumUraniumThorium