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India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Goes Critical, Boosting Nuclear Energy Vision

The indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has successfully attained its first criticality, initiating a sustained nuclear chain reaction. This milestone is a key part of India's three-stage nuclear power program designed to utilize its vast thorium reserves and achieve long-term energy independence. The government projects nuclear capacity will grow nearly threefold to 22.38 GW by 2031-32, supported by new reactor designs and international agreements. A new legal framework, the SHANTI Act, modernizes the sector and allows for limited private participation under regulatory oversight.

Key Points: India's Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor Attains Criticality

  • PFBR attains first criticality
  • Part of 3-stage nuclear power program
  • Aims for 22.38 GW capacity by 2031-32
  • Rs 20,000 crore for Small Modular Reactors
  • New SHANTI Act enables private participation
3 min read

Attainment of criticality at Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor reflects India's indigenous strength

India's PFBR at Kalpakkam achieves criticality, marking a key step in the three-stage nuclear program for long-term energy independence.

"The progress at Kalpakkam Nuclear Complex signals confidence in advanced reactor technologies - Official Fact-Sheet"

New Delhi, April 7

The attainment of criticality at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor marks more than a technological milestone; it reflects the maturity of India's long standing nuclear vision and the strength of its indigenous capabilities, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu successfully attained its first criticality on April 6, marking the initiation of a sustained nuclear chain reaction.

This PFBR is a 500 MWe (Megawatt electrical) reactor built by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) at the Kalpakkam Nuclear Complex.

"The progress at Kalpakkam Nuclear Complex signals confidence in advanced reactor technologies and reinforces the role of institutions such as Department of Atomic Energy in driving this transformation. As capacity expands and new technologies take shape, nuclear energy is set to play a far more central role in India's energy mix," said the official fact-sheet.

India holds limited uranium reserves but one of the largest thorium reserves in the world. To make the most of these resources, the Department of Atomic Energy designed a three-stage nuclear power programme built on a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The goal is to progressively multiply domestic fissile resources and secure long-term energy independence.

India's current nuclear capacity is 8.78 Gigawatt (GW). In 2024-25, nuclear power plants generated 56,681 million units of electricity across the country.

Nuclear power has consistently accounted for around 3 per cent of India's total electricity generation. In 2024-25, its share stood at 3.1 per cent.

"India's nuclear capacity is set to grow nearly 3x in the coming years. With indigenous 700 Megawatt (MW) reactors and 1,000 MW reactors being developed through international cooperation, the installed capacity is projected to reach 22.38 GW by 2031-32," said the statement.

India has signed Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) on Civil Nuclear Cooperation for peaceful purposes with 18 countries, reflecting the growing global confidence in India's nuclear programme.

The Nuclear Energy Mission allocates Rs 20,000 crore towards the design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), signalling a serious long-term investment in indigenous nuclear technology. At least five indigenously designed SMRs are to be operational by 2033, strengthening India's clean and reliable energy roadmap.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is leading the development of next-generation reactor designs, including the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), the 55 MWe SMR-55, and a High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor of up to 5 MWth (Megawatt thermal) designed for hydrogen generation.

Moreover, to support the mission, the government has enacted the 'Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025.'

The Act consolidates and modernises India's nuclear legal framework. It enables limited private participation in the nuclear sector under regulatory oversight, opening new avenues for collaboration and investment.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While this is great news for our energy security, I hope equal emphasis is placed on safety and environmental impact. We've seen issues with other projects. The SHANTI Act allowing private participation needs very strong, transparent oversight.
V
Vikram M
From limited uranium to leading in thorium tech! This is true 'Atmanirbharta'. The 3x growth target by 2031 is ambitious but necessary. Clean, reliable base-load power is key for our industries and growing cities. Well done DAE!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable sector, I'm cautiously optimistic. Nuclear can complement solar and wind, especially when the sun isn't shining or wind isn't blowing. The investment in SMRs is a smart, forward-looking move for a diverse energy mix.
R
Rohit P
The fact that 18 countries have signed IGAs with us says a lot about global confidence. We've come a long way from the days of technology denial. Jai Vigyan! 🙏 Now, let's ensure the benefits reach the common man through stable and affordable electricity.
K
Karthik V
Fantastic news! But the article says nuclear is only 3% of our power. With this new tech and the planned expansion, we need a massive push in skilled manpower training. I hope our IITs and engineering colleges are updating their curricula accordingly.

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