Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has officially granted permission for the “First Approach to Criticality” of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, marking a pivotal milestone in India’s nuclear energy program. This authorization, which includes the loading of fuel into the reactor core and the initiation of “Low Power Physics Experiments,” is a significant step for India’s first indigenous PFBR.
The approval follows a rigorous review process involving phased core loading activities. Earlier this year, the core loading commenced with the insertion of control sub-assemblies and blanket sub-assemblies, all conducted under the stringent oversight of AERB.
AERB has conducted a comprehensive multi-tier safety review, supplemented by regular inspections and oversight by a resident site observer team. After extensive evaluation of detailed safety submissions, review outcomes, and a site visit, the Board has affirmed the systematic regulatory oversight and granted the necessary permissions.
In the upcoming final stage, fuel sub-assemblies will be introduced into the reactor core. Achieving a sustained nuclear fission chain reaction, which will mark the reactor’s criticality, will be followed by a series of low power physics experiments to further assess and understand reactor behavior.
This authorization represents a significant advance toward the operationalization of the PFBR, a key component of India’s nuclear power program. The 500 MWe sodium-cooled Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, commissioned by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), signifies a crucial step in advancing the country’s nuclear energy capabilities.