The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has officially approved the “First Approach to Criticality” of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, India’s first indigenous PFBR. This significant milestone includes fueling the reactor core and the start of “Low Power Physics Experiments”.
This approval follows a review process that involved phased core loading work. Earlier this year, core loading commenced with the addition of the control sub-assembly and blanket sub-assembly, all carried out under the strict supervision of AERB.
AERB has carried out a detailed multi-level safety review, accompanied by regular inspections and inspections by the resident site supervisor team. After a comprehensive evaluation of the detailed safety presentations, review results and site visits, the Board has confirmed the systematic regulatory oversight and granted the necessary permissions.
In the upcoming final phase, fuel subassemblies will be introduced into the reactor core. Once a stable nuclear fission chain reaction is achieved, indicating the vitality of the reactor, a series of low power physics experiments will be conducted to further assess and understand the behavior of the reactor.
This authorisation represents a significant step towards operationalising the PFBR, a key component of India's nuclear power programme. The 500 MWe sodium-cooled Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor commissioned by Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) is a significant step in advancing the country's nuclear power capabilities.