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Fast Breeder Reactors may Aid Nuclear Leap

2 min read

India's Ambitious Nuclear Power Plan

India is planning a significant expansion of its nuclear power capacity, aiming to achieve 100 GW by 2047. This expansion may include up to 5 GW of fast breeder reactors (FBRs).

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)

  • Signify India's entry into the second stage of its nuclear energy program.
  • Only Russia currently has commercially operating FBRs.
  • These reactors are crucial for India's third stage nuclear program.

Current Developments

  • India's first 500 MW prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) is under development by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI).
  • 'Core loading' of nuclear fuel assemblies at the PFBR in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, began in March last year.
  • The PFBR is expected to be commissioned in the current financial year.

Future Plans

  • Post-commissioning, BHAVINI could expand FBR capacity in 'fleet mode' — building multiple reactors of a similar design simultaneously.
  • The framework for achieving 100 GW is being prepared by an inter-ministerial committee.
  • This framework will include technology pathways, investment needs, manpower requirements, and supply chain logistics.

Current Nuclear Power Status

  • India has developed and operated indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) through the Nuclear Power Corporation of India.
  • Light Water Reactors have been added, mainly through foreign collaborations.
  • India currently has 8.8 GW of nuclear energy capacity, constituting about 1.9% of the total installed power generation capacity.

Significance of FBRs

  • The FBR is a pivotal step toward the third stage of India's nuclear program.
  • The PFBR will utilize plutonium as fuel and generate power by recycling plutonium and depleted uranium from spent PHWR fuel.
  • Tags :
  • Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
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