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Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Commissioning
Context:
BHAVINI is commissioning the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), expected to attain criticality by March 2026 and full power generation by December 2026.
Institution & Location:
- The PFBR is being commissioned by BHAVINI (BharatiyaNabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited), a PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy, at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
Capacity:
- The reactor will add 500 MWe nuclear capacity to the National Grid upon full operation.
Technology:
- It is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR), which uses fast neutrons (without moderators) to convert fertile material into fissile material, thereby "breeding" fuel.
Fuel Cycle:
- Operates on a closed fuel cycle regime, involving recovery and recycling of fissile (Pu-239, U-233) and fertile (U-238, Th-232) materials from spent nuclear fuel. This enhances utilization of limited uranium resources and enables long-term use of thorium.
Strategic Significance:
- Optimizes India’s scarce uranium
- Provides a pathway to utilize large thorium reserves, aligning with India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
- Reduces high-level radioactive waste
Indigenous Development:
- PFBR is fully indigenously developed, without foreign collaboration or international technology transfer.
Timeline:
- Criticality expected by March 2026; full power generation by December 2026.
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