India's Atomic Energy Chief Reviews Key Milestones at 500 MW Fast Breeder Reactor
A.K. Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, conducted a review of the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. The visit focused on assessing critical technical milestones as the reactor moves towards full-power operation.
Mohanty, accompanied by P.A. Suresh Babu, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), and other senior officials, evaluated the current status of the plant. The PFBR, India's first commercial-scale fast breeder reactor, is a cornerstone of the country's three-stage nuclear power programme, designed to utilize thorium reserves.
The review centered on ongoing low-power physics experiments, which are essential for validating reactor physics parameters before stepping up power levels. Additionally, the overhauling of the Turbine Generator (TG) system—being executed by original equipment manufacturer Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)—was inspected. Mohanty interacted with the BHEL engineering team to discuss progress and resolve any technical challenges.
The PFBR is expected to bolster India's nuclear energy capacity by generating 500 MW of electricity. Once operational, it will mark a significant step towards sustainable nuclear energy through fuel breeding and waste reduction.
