Fast Breeder Reactor

Fast Breeder Reactor

News: Recently, PM Modi witnessed core loading at India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam,
Tamil Nadu.

Background:
• The reactor is developed by BHAVINI.

What is core loading?
• Core loading refers to the process of assembling the fuel elements within the reactor core of a nuclear power plant. It involves the placement of fuel assemblies and other components that make up the reactor core.

Significance
• Criticality: Achieving core loading allows the reactor to approach criticality, which means it can sustain a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
• Power Generation: Once criticality is achieved, the reactor can generate nuclear power by producing heat through controlled fission reactions.
• Energy Security: Core loading is a milestone in India’s nuclear program, contributing to energy security and sustainable development.

What is a Fast Breeder reactor?
• A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to cause the fission of uranium-238 (unlike conventional nuclear reactors that use slow neutrons). The term “breeder” refers to the ability of these reactors to produce more fissile material (Plutonium-239) than they consume.
• FBR is the key to India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
• Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is capable of reprocessing both carbide and oxide fuels discharged from the fast reactors. Once commissioned, India will only be the second country after Russia to have commercial operating FBR. It initially employs Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel and liquid sodium coolant. It is set to be operational by December 2024. By producing more plutonium than the fuel it consumes, PFBR reduces nuclear waste and is relatively safer than conventional reactors.

About BHAVINI:
• Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) is a government company under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Established in 2003, its primary goal is to construct and operate Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) for electricity generation.
• BHAVINI has built the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, representing India’s energy security future with technology from the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR).