PM Modi Witnesses Commencement Of India's First Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor Near Chennai: Here's All You Need To Know

In a significant development for India's nuclear energy program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (4 March) observed the commencement of "core loading" at the country's first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) in Kalpakkam, located approximately 70 km from Chennai.

The Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) will initially use the Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.

The Uranium-238 “blanket” surrounding the fuel core will undergo nuclear transmutation to produce more fuel, thus earning the name ‘Breeder’.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi toured the reactor vault and the control room, where he received detailed briefings on the reactor's key features and functionalities.

The construction and operation of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) have been undertaken by Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (BHAVINI).

It's also noteworthy that, India will be the second country after Russia to have commercially operating Fast Breeder Reactor.

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The PFBR has been fully designed and constructed indigenously by BHAVINI with significant contributions from more than 200 Indian industries including MSMEs.

Regarding safety, the PFBR boasts advanced third-generation features, ensuring a rapid and secure shutdown in emergencies.

Furthermore, the reactor significantly reduces nuclear waste generation by utilising spent fuel from the first stage, thereby minimising the need for large-scale disposal facilities.

"As a responsible nuclear power with advanced technology, India remains committed to expand peaceful applications of nuclear technology, both in the power and non-power sector, while ensuring the security of nuclear and radiological materials," said the official statement.

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