India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Achieves Criticality, Advancing Nuclear Self-Reliance

Key Points

• The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has achieved criticality, enabling a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
• This is a key step in India's second-stage nuclear program to produce domestic nuclear fuel and utilize thorium reserves.
• India aims to expand nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047 to meet energy demands and reduce emissions.
• The achievement supports India's goal of reducing dependence on external uranium suppliers.

Full Details

On April 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has attained criticality, a pivotal milestone where a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction begins. This development is a decisive step in India's civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of its nuclear program aimed at producing its own nuclear fuel. India, as the world's most populous country and third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has ambitious plans to expand its nuclear power capacity from the current 8-10 gigawatts to 100 gigawatts by 2047. The PFBR's success is crucial for harnessing India's vast thorium reserves, which are considered a potential long-term fuel for nuclear reactors. This achievement reduces dependence on external uranium supplies and strengthens India's strategic autonomy in energy security.