India Achieves Milestone with First Criticality of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor
Summary
India successfully achieved first criticality of its 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam, advancing its thorium-based nuclear energy program.
Key Points
- India's 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026.
- The reactor was developed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and managed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited.
- It uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel and will eventually use Thorium-232 to produce Uranium-233.
- The technology includes advanced safety systems and supports India's long-term nuclear strategy focusing on thorium reserves.
