India's PFBR Attains Criticality at Kalpakkam
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.
- Global standing: 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