Historic milestone: PM Modi on fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam achieving criticality
In his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he said that Indian scientists are advancing the civil nuclear program and their efforts are contributing significantly to nation building.
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“Our nuclear scientists have achieved victory for India with great success. The fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu has reached criticality,” he said.
Modi said this was a “historic milestone” in India’s nuclear energy journey and what was remarkable was that the atomic reactor was built entirely using indigenous technology.
The Prime Minister said that he had the privilege of witnessing the core loading of the reactor at Kalpakkam in March 2024.
“I congratulate all those who have made invaluable contributions to India’s nuclear programme,” he said. Modi said the efforts of scientists to make the lives of citizens better and easier are truly commendable.
In a landmark achievement for India’s nuclear energy programme, the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) successfully reached first criticality (the beginning of a controlled chain fission reaction) on April 6, marking a historic step in ensuring long-term energy security and developing indigenous nuclear technology capabilities.
Fast Breeder Reactors are the cornerstone of India’s long-term nuclear strategy. Unlike traditional thermal reactors, PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
The reactor was eventually designed to use Thorium-232 in the blanket. Through conversion, Thorium-232 will be converted into Uranium-233, which will fuel the third phase of India’s nuclear energy programme.
