Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science & Technology, Topic: Nuclear Technology, Issue: Kalpakkam PFBR Achieves Criticality.
Context:
- India has achieved a major milestone in its nuclear energy programme with the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) at Kalpakkam attaining criticality.
- The Prime Minister described it as a defining step in India’s nuclear journey.
- With this, India is set to become the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.
Key Takeaways:
Background: India’s Nuclear Programme
- India follows a three-stage nuclear power programme designed to ensure long-term energy security.
- The programme is based on India’s resource profile, which includes limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves.
- Therefore, India aims to first use uranium efficiently, then convert it into plutonium, and finally utilise thorium for sustainable energy generation.
- Stage 1 uses Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), Stage 2 uses Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), and Stage 3 will use thorium-based reactors.
- The programme is implemented under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
What is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)?
- A Fast Breeder Reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to sustain the nuclear chain reaction.
- It is called a breeder reactor because it produces more fissile material, such as plutonium, than it consumes.
- It also helps convert thorium into Uranium-233, which is a fissile material.
Meaning of ‘Attaining Criticality’:
- Attaining criticality means that the reactor has achieved a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
- In this state, each fission event releases enough neutrons to continue the reaction without external support.
- This indicates that the reactor core is functioning as designed.
- It is a key milestone before the reactor begins full-scale electricity generation.
Details of Kalpakkam FBR:
- The Fast Breeder Reactor is located at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu.
- It is India’s first fully indigenous fast breeder reactor.
- The reactor has a capacity of 500 megawatt electric (MWe).
- It represents a major achievement in India’s indigenous nuclear technology development.
Strategic Importance:
- The FBR is the crucial second stage of India’s nuclear programme.
- It enables the use of plutonium generated in Stage 1 reactors.
- It also helps convert thorium into Uranium-233 for future use in Stage 3.
- India’s thorium reserves are found in coastal sands of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, and in inland riverine sands of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
- This makes the FBR essential for achieving long-term energy security.
Technological and Scientific Significance:
- The successful development of the FBR reflects the depth of India’s scientific and engineering capabilities.
- It demonstrates strong indigenous design and technological self-reliance.
Global Significance:
- Only a few countries have developed fast breeder reactor technology.
- With this achievement, India joins an exclusive group of advanced nuclear nations.
- Becoming the second country after Russia to operate a commercial FBR enhances India’s global standing.
Final Takeaway:
The Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor attaining criticality marks a historic milestone that strengthens India’s nuclear energy programme by enabling efficient fuel utilisation, advancing indigenous technology, and paving the way for long-term thorium-based energy security.
UPSC SYLLABUS LINKAGE – (GS Paper III: Economy- Energy security, Energy infrastructure); (GS Paper III: Science & Technology – Nuclear Technology).
Source: (The Hindu)
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