This marks a significant progress in the second stage of India’s Nuclear programme.
- Criticality refers to a situation when each fission event releases a sufficient number of neutron to sustain an ongoing series of reactions, in other words, it is point when nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction.
About Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)
- Meaning: Nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to generate more nuclear fuels than they consume while generating power.
- India’s FBR
- Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
- Operated by: Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI)
- Power Capacity: 500 Megawatt.
- Once fully operational, India will become the second country after Russia to have a commercial fast breeder reactor
- Features: Uses indigenously produced Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel and utilizes liquid sodium as a coolant.
- Uranium-238 “blanket” surrounding fuel core will undergo nuclear transmutation to produce more fuel, hence name ‘Breeder’.
Significance of FBR
- Stepping stone for third stage: Paving way for eventual utilization of India’s abundant thorium reserves.
- Inherent Passive Safety Features: Ensuring a prompt and safe shut down during emergency.
- Reduction of nuclear waste: As it uses spent fuel from the first stage.
India’s Three Stage Nuclear Programme
- Genesis: It was presented in 1954 by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.
