India Achieves Criticality in Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, Advancing Nuclear Self-Reliance
India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has achieved criticality, marking a major step toward using thorium reserves for power generation and reducing dependence on imported nuclear fuel.
Key Points
- PFBR at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, starting a controlled nuclear chain reaction
- India aims to expand nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047
- Milestone enables use of thorium reserves for power generation
- PM Modi called it a decisive step in India's nuclear program
Full Details
India has moved a significant step closer to nuclear fuel self-reliance after the domestically designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, signaling the start of a controlled nuclear chain reaction. This milestone is a crucial phase before the reactor can begin generating power, aligning with India's ambitious plan to expand nuclear capacity from 8 to 100 gigawatts by 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement as a 'defining step' in India's civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of its nuclear program and harnessing the country's vast thorium reserves. The development is pivotal for energy security, as India is the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and seeks to reduce reliance on imported uranium.
Why It Matters
This achievement positions India to leverage its abundant thorium resources, potentially transforming its energy landscape and reducing carbon emissions while enhancing energy independence.
Get stories like this delivered daily
AI-curated news, personalized to your interests. Zero noise.
Start 7-Day Free Trial →More in Global News
Rescuers dig through rubble after deadly Israeli strikes in south Lebanon
Rescuers are digging through rubble after a new wave of Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 13.
Iranian authorities remain defiant, urge supporters to stay in streets
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Iran's delegation in talks to end the war, said US delegation 'failed to gain trust'.
IMF and World Bank to Downgrade Global Growth Forecasts Amid Middle East War
Global policymakers meeting in Washington will lower growth projections and raise inflation expectations due to the economic shock of the Middle East conflict, with emerging markets expected to be hardest hit.
Three Gulf-Bound Tankers Abort Strait of Hormuz Transits Amid U.S.-Iran Negotiation Collapse
Three tankers, including two Pakistan-flagged and one Maltese-flagged VLCC, aborted their transits through the Strait of Hormuz after U.S.-Iran negotiations ended without agreement, highlighting heightened geopolitical risk in global shipping routes.