India has established a milestone in the field of nuclear energy that has surprised the developed countries of the world. The 500 megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is now ready for commercial production. More than 200 Indian MSMEs and private companies have manufactured components for its construction. Due to this, India will not be affected by any kind of foreign sanctions. After Russia, India has become the second country in the world to bring this complex technology to commercial level. It has been prepared entirely with indigenous engineering, without any foreign assistance. This will pave the way for Stage-3 of India’s nuclear program and make it possible to generate nuclear electricity from thorium. According to nuclear experts, ‘Fast Breeder Reactors’ are far more advanced compared to conventional reactors. Its biggest advantage is that it produces much more fuel (uranium) than it consumes. That’s why it is called a ‘Breeder’. India has limited reserves of uranium, but has vast reserves of thorium. This reactor marks the beginning of the second stage of India’s ‘three-stage nuclear program’, which will pave the way for the use of thorium in the future. Nuclear experts say that America and France adopted a single design of nuclear reactor – Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). Germany and Britain’s attempts failed. India accepted this complex engineering challenge. India has a reserve of approximately 9.63 lakh tons of thorium. Once we fully enter the third phase, these reserves will be capable of providing India with uninterrupted electricity for the next 400 years. Referring to the vision of nuclear scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar, experts explain that although this project took time, it is a great example of ‘Make in India’. This is like a manifesto of India’s ‘energy sovereignty’. Why the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor located at Kalpakkam is special Fuel conservation – This reactor recycles used fuel to generate energy. Safety – Use of liquid sodium, which can keep the reactor cool on its own even in the absence of electricity. 72 years ago Homi Bhabha had this vision. 22 years taken in the construction of the reactor. Rs 7,700 crore Total cost. 100% indigenous technology.
