On April 6, 2026, with the Prototype Fast Breeder, a significant milestone in India’s nuclear energy program was achieved.
The 500 MWe reactor, created by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, is the second phase of Homi J. Bhabha’s three-phase nuclear program for India.
The PFBR uses mixed oxide (MOX) fuel and liquid sodium as a coolant, in contrast to traditional reactors. It is known as a “breeder reactor” because of its capacity to produce more fuel than it uses by turning uranium-238 into plutonium.
The accomplishment strengthens India’s long-term energy security objectives by placing it among a small number of countries possessing operating fast breeder reactor technology.
A self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is reached at criticality, which is an essential stage before the production of electricity starts. Before being linked to the electrical grid, the reactor will now go through testing.
In order to support India’s goal of creating a sustainable and independent nuclear energy ecosystem, the development is also essential to accessing the country’s enormous thorium reserves.
Source – India Today
