India marks twin milestones in its nuclear energy programme

04 Nov 2025 CW Team

India’s nuclear power programme achieved two major milestones in October at Kalpakkam. Engineers have begun loading fuel into the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI), after approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The site also marked 40 years since the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) first attained criticality.

The PFBR, expected to achieve first criticality within six months, represents the second stage of India’s three-phase nuclear programme focused on recycling spent fuel and reducing radioactive waste. It will use plutonium-based mixed oxide fuel and later transition to thorium, leveraging India’s abundant reserves. The reactor employs liquid sodium as coolant and will utilise spent fuel from Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors.

Once operational, the PFBR will become only the second reactor of its kind globally after Russia’s 800 MWe model. Meanwhile, FBTR continues to support R&D efforts and isotope production, including the recent generation of Phosphorus-32 for radiopharmaceutical applications.

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