Kalpakkam Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor to go critical by end of 2016

Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam said to be constructing the reactor at an approved cost of Rs 5,677 crore

The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu is expected to go critical by end of 2016. In addition, it is proposed to add two more Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) 1&2 (2x600 MW) at Kalpakkam Site.

Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a Public Sector Undertaking, is constructing a 500 MW capacity Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha said that PFBR is at an advanced stage of commissioning. In addition, it is proposed to add two more Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) 1&2 (2x600 MW) at Kalpakkam Site.

PFBR is being constructed with an approved cost of Rs 5,677 crore. Cost for Fast Breeder Reactors 1&2 is yet to be finalised. PFBR at Kalpakkam is expected to go critical by end 2016.

The tariff of electricity produced from PFBR is comparable with that of other contemporary base-load electricity generating technologies like coal based thermal power stations in the region, said the Minister.

A breeder reactor is one that breeds more material for a nuclear fission reaction than it consumes. The PFBR will be fuelled by a blend of plutonium and uranium oxide, called MOX fuel.