In Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India's first fast breeder reactor prototype is currently being developed

The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is a sophisticated machine engineered to generate more nuclear fuel than it consumes, utilizing plutonium-239 (Pu-239) and uranium-238 (U-238) for energy generation. As India's inaugural fast-breeder nuclear reactor, the PFBR is under development by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI).

With a capacity of 500 MW, it is anticipated to be operational by 2025-26, approximately two years following the approval from the nuclear regulatory authority. This project represents the second phase of India's three-stage nuclear initiative.

Its functions include recycling spent fuel from India's Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), thereby minimizing radioactive waste, and facilitating the shift to thorium-based reactors in the third phase of the nuclear cycle. The reactor will employ plutonium-based mixed oxide as fuel and liquid sodium as a coolant.

The significance of the PFBR lies in its critical contribution to India's nuclear program, as it will supply spent fuel for future thorium-based reactors, play a vital role in diminishing radioactive waste inventory, and promote the advancement of a closed fuel cycle. Furthermore, it will enhance India's nuclear energy capabilities, particularly in harnessing thorium for energy self-sufficiency.

India has set a target to generate 100 GW of electricity through nuclear power. Currently, the nuclear power capacity stands at 8.18 GW, with an additional 7.30 GW in the process of construction or commissioning. By the fiscal year 2031-32, the total nuclear power capacity is projected to reach 22.48 GW. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) intends to add 15.40 GW from indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and 17.60 GW from Light Water Reactors in collaboration with foreign entities. Additionally, BHAVINI plans to contribute 3.80 GW through Fast Breeder Reactors. The remaining capacity will be sourced from Small Modular Reactors, Bharat Small Reactors, and other advanced nuclear technologies in partnership with the private sector.

In conclusion, despite facing delays, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is a vital component of India's nuclear power strategy and is poised to enhance the country's nuclear energy capabilities, particularly in the use of thorium to achieve energy self-sufficiency.