New Delhi, April 7 (IANS). As the indigenously designed and built prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has achieved criticality, Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued patronage and support.
“Achieving criticality by the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam is a historic milestone in India’s nuclear journey, which began with a grand dream of Founding Father Homi Bhabha. It also reflects the tireless dedication and commitment of the entire nuclear community in the endeavor to achieve energy security with self-reliance,” the minister wrote on social media.
Earlier on Monday late night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written on Twitter, “Today India has taken an important step in the field of civil nuclear energy and has advanced the second phase of its nuclear programme. The indigenously designed and built prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam has achieved criticality. This advanced reactor, which is capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, reflects the depth of our scientific capability and the power of engineering skills. It will also utilize our vast thorium reserves in the third phase of the programme. This is a decisive step towards harnessing this. Hearty congratulations to our scientists and engineers.
It is noteworthy that the 500 MW fast breeder reactor (PFBR) located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu is operated by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. It is an important part of India’s long-term nuclear strategy. Once fully operational, India will become the second country after Russia to have a commercial fast breeder reactor. Criticality is the state when a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction. This is a critical step before full power generation, indicating that the reactor core is functioning as designed.
–IANS
OP/VC