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India’s First Fast-Breeder Nuclear Reactor Set for Commissioning By 2026

Last updated on April 22nd, 2025 Posted on April 22, 2025 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  356

Syllabus: GS 3/Science and Technology

In News

  • India’s first prototype fast breeder reactor is being developed in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) 

  • It is a machine designed to produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes, using plutonium-239 (Pu-239) and uranium-238 (U-238) for energy production.

India’s first fast-breeder nuclear reactor

  • The PFBR is being developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI).
  • It will have a 500 MW capacity and is expected to be commissioned in 2025-26, nearly two years after receiving approval from the nuclear regulator.
  • It marks the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear program.

Functions 

  • It will recycle spent fuel from India’s Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), reducing radioactive waste.
  • It will also enable the transition to thorium-based reactors in the third stage of the nuclear cycle.
  • It will use plutonium-based mixed oxide as fuel and liquid sodium as coolant.

Significance

  • It is essential for India’s nuclear program as it will provide spent fuel for future thorium-based reactors.
  • It plays a key role in reducing the inventory of radioactive waste and progressing towards a closed fuel cycle.
  • It will advance India’s nuclear energy capabilities, especially in utilizing thorium for self-sufficiency in energy.
Do you know?
– India aims to produce 100 GW of electricity from nuclear power.
– Current nuclear power capacity in India is 8.18 GW, with additional 7.30 GW under construction/commissioning.
– The total nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22.48 GW by 2031-32.
– Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) plans to add 15.40 GW from indigenous PHWRs and 17.60 GW from Light Water Reactors with foreign cooperation.
– BHAVINI aims to contribute 3.80 GW through Fast Breeder Reactors.
– Remaining capacity will come from Small Modular Reactors, Bharat Small Reactors, and other advanced nuclear technologies with private sector collaboration.

Conclusion  and Way Forward 

  • Despite delays, the PFBR is a critical part of India’s nuclear power ambitions and is set to advance India’s nuclear energy capabilities, especially in utilizing thorium for self-sufficiency in energy.

Source :BL

 
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