India Edges Closer to Power Production with Fuel Loading in Fast Breeder Reactor

India's nuclear regulator AERB has granted permission to load fuel in the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam. This approval marks a significant step towards operationalizing the reactor, which will use plutonium as nuclear fuel. The reactor is overseen by Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited.

India's nuclear regulator, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), has authorized the initiation of fuel loading in the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located in Kalpakkam. This move signifies a crucial advance towards the reactor's operational status and eventual power production.

The AERB Board convened in Tamil Nadu on Saturday and granted the go-ahead for the 'First Approach to Criticality,' which includes the loading of plutonium fuel. An official statement confirmed that the board's decision also allows for 'Low Power Physics Experiments' to be conducted in the PFBR.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously overseen the core loading activity in March. The process began with the insertion of control sub-assemblies, followed by blanket sub-assemblies, which were carried out under the AERB's stringent safety reviews and periodic inspections. The AERB's thorough assessment led to the approval, which brings India closer to achieving sustained nuclear fission and power production in the reactor.

(With inputs from agencies.)