On March 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a significant step in India’s nuclear power journey by commencing the core-loading process of the indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This event marks a pivotal milestone in the advancement of nuclear energy in India.
What is the PFBR?
- Overview: The PFBR is an innovative nuclear reactor that generates more nuclear fuel than it consumes, representing a critical phase in India’s nuclear power development.
- Significance: The core-loading of the PFBR is celebrated as a milestone, signaling the beginning of stage II in India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
- Stage I: Utilized pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and natural uranium-238 (U-238), with a focus on producing plutonium-239 (Pu-239) and energy from the minimal amounts of U-235 present.
- Fission Process: Involves the absorption of a neutron by an atom’s nucleus, leading to destabilization and division, releasing energy and potentially more neutrons to sustain further reactions.
- Role of Heavy Water: Serves to slow down neutrons enough for absorption by U-238 and U-235, facilitating additional fission reactions.
- Transition to Stage II: India aims to use Pu-239 in conjunction with U-238 in the PFBR to produce energy, U-233, and additional Pu-239, under the administration of the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam, Ltd. (BHAVINI).
- Stage III: Plans to combine Pu-239 with thorium-232 (Th-232) in reactors, generating energy and U-233, towards achieving complete self-sufficiency in nuclear energy, based on Homi J. Bhabha’s design due to India’s significant thorium reserves.
How does the PFBR work?
- Basis of Operation: PHWRs start by using natural or low-enriched U-238, producing Pu-239 as a byproduct, which is then mixed with more U-238 and loaded into the PFBR along with a blanket material to breed more Pu-239.
- Breeder Reactor Concept: A nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it consumes, with “fast” breeders not requiring neutron slowing to initiate fission reactions.
- PFBR Design: Utilizes liquid sodium as a highly reactive coolant in two circuits, transferring heat and energy from the reactor to electricity generators, thereby efficiently producing more Pu-239 while generating electricity.
Source: Is India finally entering stage II of its nuclear programme? | Explained (The Hindu, March 4, 2024)