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India's 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam Attains Criticality, Key Milestone in 3-Stage Nuclear Programme

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
07 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:500 MWe8,180 MWe22,400 MWe by 2032April 7, 2026
Bodies:Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI)Vivekananda International Foundation
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What This Article Covers

1.India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, attained criticality on April 7, 2026, a key step before full power generation.

2.The FBR is central to India's three-stage nuclear programme, designed to breed more fuel than it consumes using a Uranium-Plutonium MOX fuel core and a Uranium-238 blanket.

3.This development is crucial for building up plutonium inventory to eventually produce Uranium-233 from thorium, paving the way for the third, thorium-based stage of India's energy programme.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

India's first indigenous 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has attained criticality, marking the initiation of a self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction. This is a pivotal milestone in the second stage of India's ambitious three-stage nuclear power programme, which is designed to eventually harness the country's vast thorium reserves for energy independence.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Reactor Name & CapacityPrototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), 500 MWe
LocationKalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
Key Event DateApril 7, 2026 (Attained Criticality)
Stage in Nuclear ProgrammeSecond Stage
Fuel TypeUranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX)
Implementing AgencyBharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI)
India's Total Nuclear Capacity8,180 MWe

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Reactor Name & Capacity: Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), 500 MWe
  • ›Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
  • ›Target this Data: '500 MWe' capacity of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: 'Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI)' - the PSU responsible for building and operating the PFBR.
  • ›Target this Stage: 'Second Stage' of India's three-stage nuclear programme involves Fast Breeder Reactors.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which public sector undertaking is responsible for building and operating India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):

1. It has attained criticality, marking the initiation of a self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction.

2. It uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator.

3. It is a key component of the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the installed electric capacity (in MWe) of India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic significance of India's Fast Breeder Reactor programme within the three-stage nuclear power plan?

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