A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s nuclear energy program with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granting permission for the “first approach to criticality” of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam. This press release July 30, 2024.
This approval marks a crucial step towards the reactor’s operationalization, allowing for the loading of nuclear fuel and the initiation of a controlled chain reaction. The PFBR, a sodium-cooled reactor, is a pioneering project in India’s nuclear energy landscape.
AERB’s decision came after a rigorous safety review process, including on-site inspections and assessments. The reactor’s core loading has been carried out in phases, with the final stage involving the introduction of fuel sub-assemblies into the reactor core.
Once operational, the PFBR will be an addition to India’s nuclear power capacity and a testament to the country’s advancements in nuclear technology.
This development positions India as a global leader in fast reactor technology, contributing to its energy security and low-carbon emission goals.
