Why in News?
India’s first indigenously developed 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, attained criticality, marking the start of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme.
What makes PFBR special?
Breeder reactor: Produces more fuel than it consumes, using a Uranium-238 blanket to breed fissile material.
Fuel: Uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX).
Safety: Equipped with advanced passive safety features for automatic shutdown.
India becomes the second country after Russia to have a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor.
Exam Connect
PFBR → Built by BHAVINI (under DAE), designed by IGCAR
Three-Stage Programme → Formulated by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha
Stage 1 → PHWR + natural uranium
Stage 2 → Fast Breeder Reactors (Plutonium)
Stage 3 → Thorium-based reactors
