India's first prototype Fast Breeder Reactor to be commissioned by 2026

Context: India's first prototype fast-breeder reactor (500 MW) in Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam is expected to be commissioned in 2026. It will mark the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear programme that aims to recycle spent fuel to reduce the inventory of radioactive waste.

Major Highlights:

• On completion of the commissioning of PFBR, the project will generate 500 MW of electricity. 
• On March 4, 2024, the core loading of India’s first indigenous PFBR was commenced at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. 
  • Core loading is the process of placing nuclear fuel assemblies inside the core of a nuclear reactor.
  • Core loading operation is a precursor to the nuclear plant going “critical” (the beginning of a self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction that will eventually lead to the generation of power).
• Core loading marks a historic milestone marking entry into the vital second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme.

Significance of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR): 

• Significant reduction in nuclear waste generated as FBR utilises/reprocesses the radioactive waste (Plutonium-239) as fuel from the first stage. 
• Advanced reactor with inherent passive safety features ensuring a prompt and safe shut down of the plant in the event of an emergency. 
• Both the capital cost and the per unit electricity cost is comparable to other nuclear and conventional power plants.
• Stepping stone for the third stage of India’s Nuclear Programme. Can aid in conversion of fertile Thorium 232 to fissile Uranium 233, that will be used in the 3rd stage. Thus, FBRs can aid in the utilisation of India’s abundant Thorium reserves. 

Challenges associated with Fast Breeder Reactors:

• Radioactive Nuclear Waste: 
  • Nuclear waste produced in the Thorium fuel cycle contains Caesium-137, Actinium-227, Radium-224, Radium-228 and Thorium-230. All these are radioactive and demand additional investment in nuclear waste handling.
• Safety risks of Sodium Coolants: 
  • Liquid sodium used as coolant in the FBRs reacts violently with water and burns if exposed to air. Thus, any leaks in the systems can result in a major sodium-water fire. 
  • The necessity of keeping air away from sodium makes refuelling and repair of these reactors much more difficult. 
• Economic Competition from Renewable Energy: 
  • Continuous decline in the prices of renewable energy sources (Solar & Wind energy). This has resulted in critics arguing for stopping further development of nuclear power. 
• Emergence of Small Modular Reactors:
  • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining popularity due to their advantages over traditional nuclear reactors- as SMRs can work with low-enriched uranium, have a maximum capacity of 300 MW, require less land and reduced cost. 
• Increasing domestic and external availability of Nuclear resources:
  • The basic rationale behind going for the three-stage nuclear program was that India had limited uranium resources. 
  • However, with expanding discovery of domestic natural uranium in India (Tumulapalle etc.) and waiver from Nuclear Suppliers Group means that it is no longer difficult to source Uranium for conventional PHWRs in India for meeting its domestic needs.
  • These developments reduce the urgency of deploying thorium-based reactors and shift focus back to conventional nuclear technologies. 

Nevertheless, the three-stage nuclear power program is imperative to meet India's twin goals of energy security and sustainable development.