What is the significance of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieving criticality in India?

The PFBR achieving criticality is a defining step for India's nuclear program, paving the way for the utilization of abundant thorium reserves.

How much electricity can India's thorium reserves generate?

India's economically extractable thorium reserves are believed to be capable of generating 500 GW of electricity for the next four centuries.

Home / Science / India's Nuclear Leap: Thorium Power Era Dawns

India's Nuclear Leap: Thorium Power Era Dawns

Q: When does India plan to significantly boost its nuclear power capacity?

New Delhi aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047.

7 Apr

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Summary

India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieved criticality.
This advancement paves the way for abundant thorium utilization.
New Delhi aims for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

India's Nuclear Leap: Thorium Power Era Dawns

India's civil nuclear energy program has achieved a significant milestone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located in Kalpakkam has attained criticality. This event represents a defining step forward in the country's three-stage nuclear power program, originally envisioned in the 1950s.

The PFBR's attainment of criticality is crucial as it will pave the way for the utilization of India's abundant thorium reserves in the third stage of its nuclear power program. Experts believe India's thorium reserves can supply 500 GW of electricity for centuries.

This advancement aligns with India's broader clean energy objectives. The nation plans to increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by the year 2047. Currently, India's installed nuclear capacity stands at 8.18 GW. The country is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

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