Blitz Bureau
INDIA’S ambitious nuclear energy programme is set to achieve a significant milestone. The first 500MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is soon to be commissioned near Chennai. This reactor is a crucial component of India’s closed-fuel cycle nuclear programme, designed to maximize the utilisation of nuclear fuel.
According to sources, the PFBR will initially use a Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel. The surrounding “blanket” of Uranium-238 will undergo nuclear transmutation to produce more fuel, hence the term “breeder.” The future plan involves using Thorium-232 as a blanket, which, through transmutation, will create fissile Uranium-233. This process is essential for India’s thirdstage nuclear program, which aims to fully harness the country’s abundant thorium reserves.
In terms of safety, the PFBR is an advanced third-generation reactor equipped with inherent passive safety features. These features ensure a prompt and safe shutdown of the plant in case of an emergency. Additionally, by using spent fuel from the first stage, the PFBR significantly reduces nuclear waste generation, mitigating the need for large geological disposal facilities.
Few days back, the third indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHEW)–Unit 7 of the 2×700 MW Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7and 8) at Rawtbhata in Rajasthan, attained criticality, marking the commencement of controlled fission chain reaction and it would be connected to the grid after conducting various tests.
