PFBR Criticality Milestone Highlights India’s Indigenous Nuclear Strength

New Delhi — The successful attainment of criticality at India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is being seen as more than just a technical achievement—it signals the coming of age of the country’s long-term nuclear vision and its strong indigenous capabilities.

The indigenously developed PFBR, located at Kalpakkam Nuclear Complex, reached its first criticality on April 6, marking the start of a sustained nuclear chain reaction. This 500 MWe reactor has been built by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI).

According to an official statement, this progress reinforces confidence in advanced reactor technologies and highlights the role of the Department of Atomic Energy in driving innovation. With expanding capacity and evolving technologies, nuclear power is expected to play a much bigger role in India’s overall energy mix.

India’s nuclear strategy is shaped by its resource profile—limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves. To address this, the country follows a three-stage nuclear power programme based on a closed fuel cycle, aimed at maximising domestic resources and ensuring long-term energy security.

Currently, India’s nuclear power capacity stands at 8.78 GW. In 2024–25, nuclear plants generated over 56,000 million units of electricity, contributing about 3.1 per cent to the total power generation.

Looking ahead, the country plans a significant scale-up. Nuclear capacity is projected to nearly triple to 22.38 GW by 2031–32, supported by both indigenous 700 MW reactors and larger 1,000 MW units developed through international partnerships.

India has also strengthened global collaboration, signing civil nuclear agreements with 18 countries, reflecting growing international confidence in its nuclear programme.

In a push towards future-ready energy solutions, the government has launched the Nuclear Energy Mission with an allocation of Rs 20,000 crore for developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). At least five indigenous SMRs are expected to be operational by 2033, forming a key part of India’s clean energy roadmap.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is leading efforts on next-generation designs, including the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), SMR-55, and advanced reactors aimed at hydrogen production.

Additionally, the recently enacted Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025 (SHANTI Act) modernises the country’s nuclear legal framework. It allows limited private sector participation under strict regulatory oversight, opening new avenues for investment and collaboration.

Overall, the PFBR milestone underscores India’s growing technological self-reliance and its commitment to expanding clean, reliable energy sources.

With inputs from IANS