Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

India’s first prototype fast-breeder reactor (BHAVINI’s 500 MW PFBR) is in the advanced stage of integrated commissioning, with expected first criticality by 2025-26.

PwOnlyyIASEdge:

About Criticality in a Nuclear Reactor:

Criticality refers to the condition in a nuclear reactor where the nuclear fission chain reaction is self-sustaining.
- This means that the number of neutrons produced in one generation is exactly equal to the number needed to sustain the next generation.

About the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is a 500 MWe sodium-cooled, fast breeder reactor located at Kokkilamedu, near Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
It is a cornerstone of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power program, designed to enhance energy security by leveraging the country’s abundant thorium reserves and reducing reliance on imported uranium.
Fuel: The PFBR will use the Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) as fuel and liquid sodium as coolant.
- It will also utilise the spent fuel of the first stage Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (the mainstay of nuclear power in India at present).
Implementing Agency: Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI).

About India’s 3 Stage Nuclear Programme

Stage 1: It utilizes natural uranium as fuel in PHWRs and produces plutonium as a byproduct.
Stage 2: It employs Fast Breeder Reactors to use a mix of plutonium (from the first stage) and natural uranium as fuel, breeding more plutonium.
Stage 3: Focuses on advanced nuclear power systems that utilize thorium, converting it into uranium-233.

Additional Reading: India’s Nuclear Energy Programme: Current Status

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Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

About the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

About India’s 3 Stage Nuclear Programme

Reforms In The United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Flue Gas Desulphurisation

Global Recognition of Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra

Financial Intelligence Unit-India

Kerala Launches Online Services for Permanent Lok Adalats

15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting

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