New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for India’s nuclear energy programme, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) has successfully attained first criticality on April 6, 2026, at 08:25 PM in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
The milestone marks a historic step in advancing the country’s indigenous nuclear technology capabilities and strengthening long-term energy security through the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor.
The first criticality of the PFBR, which signifies the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction, was achieved after meeting all safety stipulations laid down by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
The clearance was granted following a rigorous safety review of the plant systems, underscoring the reliability and robustness of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor.
The event took place in the presence of Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC); Shri Sreekumar G. Pillai, Director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR); Shri Allu Ananth, CMD-In-Charge, Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI); and Shri K.V. Suresh Kumar, Former CMD, BHAVINI and Homi Sethna Chair.
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Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor: Developed by IGCAR
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor has been indigenously designed and developed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), a premier R&D institution under the Department of Atomic Energy.
The construction and commissioning of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor were undertaken by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), a public sector undertaking under the DAE, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in advanced nuclear engineering.
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor represents a cornerstone of India’s long-term nuclear energy strategy. Unlike conventional thermal reactors, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
Its core is surrounded by a blanket of Uranium-238, where fast neutrons convert fertile Uranium-238 into fissile Plutonium-239.
This process enables the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor to generate more fuel than it consumes, significantly enhancing nuclear fuel utilization.
Additionally, the PFBR is designed to eventually use Thorium-232 in its blanket. Through transmutation, Thorium-232 will be converted into Uranium-233, which will play a key role in the third stage of India’s nuclear power programme.
This capability positions the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor as a critical bridge toward leveraging India’s abundant thorium reserves for future energy needs.
With the achievement of first criticality, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor brings India closer to realizing the full potential of its three-stage nuclear power programme.
Fast breeder technology acts as a vital link between the current fleet of pressurized heavy water reactors and the future deployment of thorium-based reactors, ensuring long-term sustainability and energy independence.
The PFBR incorporates advanced safety systems, high-temperature liquid sodium coolant technology, and a closed fuel cycle approach.
These features enable efficient recycling of nuclear materials, reduce waste generation, and improve overall sustainability, reinforcing the importance of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in India’s clean energy roadmap.
The project also highlights the contributions of a large number of scientists, engineers, technicians, and industry partners who played a key role in the design, fabrication, and construction of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor using predominantly indigenous technologies and components.
Their efforts underscore India’s commitment to technological self-reliance in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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Beyond power generation, the PFBR strengthens India’s strategic capabilities in nuclear fuel cycle technologies, advanced materials, reactor physics, and large-scale engineering.
The knowledge and infrastructure developed through the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor programme are expected to support next-generation nuclear technologies and future reactor designs.
As India continues to expand its clean energy portfolio, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor will play a crucial role in delivering reliable, low-carbon, base-load power with higher thermal efficiency.
The attainment of first criticality by the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor marks not only a technological breakthrough but also a significant step towards building a sustainable and self-reliant energy future for Viksit Bharat.
