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Modi Hails Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor Criticality as Historic Nuclear Milestone

PM Narendra Modi hailed the criticality of India's indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam as a historic milestone in the country's nuclear journey. The 500 MWe sodium-cooled reactor achieved a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, marking the start of its operation phase. Built entirely on indigenous technology, the reactor breeds more fissile material than it consumes, supporting India's three-stage civil nuclear program. Modi emphasized the achievement's role in advancing energy security and the nation's progress toward a Viksit Bharat.

Key Points: Modi Calls Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor Criticality Historic

  • PM Modi calls Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor criticality a historic milestone
  • The 500 MWe reactor uses indigenous technology and achieves self-sustaining chain reaction
  • It breeds more fuel than it consumes, aiding India's three-stage nuclear program
  • The milestone supports India's energy security and the vision of a Viksit Bharat
2 min read

PM Modi calls Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor criticality 'historic milestone' in nuclear journey

PM Modi hails the criticality of India's indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam as a historic milestone in the nation's nuclear energy journey.

"Despite the hustle and bustle of the elections, we have shared happiness with each other over achievements of the country and countrymen. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, April 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed India's indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, which recently achieved criticality, marking a major advance in the second stage of the country's three-stage civil nuclear program.

Speaking during the 133rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said, "Despite the hustle and bustle of the elections, we have shared happiness with each other over achievements of the country and countrymen."

Calling it a "big achievement of the country", the Prime Minister said, "India has always viewed science as linked with the nation's progress. With this vision, our scientists are advancing the civil nuclear programme. Due to their efforts, this programme is making a significant contribution. This has immensely benefited our industrial growth, energy and health sector. India's civil nuclear programme has provided immense assistance to everyone from farmers to modern innovators."

"A few days back, our nuclear scientists made India proud with another major achievement. In Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam, the fast breeder has achieved criticality. This is a stage in which the reactor achieves success in a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. This stage means the beginning of the reactor's operation phase," he said, calling it a "historic milestone" in India's nuclear energy journey.

The 500 MWe sodium-cooled reactor breeds more fissile material than it consumes using mixed oxide fuel, paving the way for the third stage focused on utilising India's large thorium reserves for long-term energy security.

He mentioned another "big thing" that is that this nuclear reactor is built entirely on "Swadeshi (indigenous) " technology.

PM Modi said that this is a system that, along with generating energy, also independently produces new fuel for the future.

"I remember the time in March 2024, when I witnessed the core loading of the reactor in Kalpakkam. I congratulate all those who have made an invaluable contribution to India's nuclear program. Their effort to make the lives of countrymen better and easier is really commendable. This will also give new energy to our resolution of a Viksit Bharat," the Prime Minister added.

- IANS

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P
Priya S
Fantastic achievement! But I hope we also focus on the safety aspects and waste management of these reactors. Nuclear power is powerful but comes with responsibilities. Still, kudos to the team for this milestone! 👏
M
Michael C
As an energy researcher, I'm genuinely impressed. This FBR design is elegantly simple and efficient. India's three-stage nuclear program is a model for developing nations - using thorium reserves is a long-term game changer. Great work!
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Vikram M
This is the kind of news that doesn't get enough attention in the media. While everyone's caught up in election drama, our scientists are silently building the future. Salute to the team at BARC and IGCAR! 🙏
S
Sarah B
While this is impressive, I'm a bit concerned about the cost overruns and delays. This project took decades to reach this stage. But I'm glad it's finally operational - India needs all the clean energy sources it can get.
K
Kavya N
Very proud to see our scientists achieving this! The thorium utilization stage is what excites me the most - India has the world's largest reserves. Energy independence is finally within reach! ✨
R
Rohit P
Brilliant! But we

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