PFBR Attains First Criticality | Message by the Secretary, DAE & Chairman, AEC

[0:36]Today India achieved yet another historic milestone in the country's peaceful uses of atomic energy by entering the second stage of the three stage nuclear power program envisioned by Dr. Homi Jahangir Baba, the architect of our country's nuclear power program. The prototype first breeder reactor, a 500 MW electrical nuclear reactor constructed by Bharatiya Navika Vidyut Nigam Limited at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, has achieved its first criticality, that is, initiation of sustained nuclear chain reaction. The achievement reinforces Department of Atomic Energy's contribution to India's commitment to achieve the net zero emission target by 2070, as announced by our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. The prototype first breeder reactor utilizes fission material recovered from the reprocessing of spent fuel from first stage pressurized heavy water reactors. Prototype first breeder reactor will produce more fuel than what it consumes. The spent fuel generated in prototype first breeder reactor will in turn be processed and recycled back into the reactor, thereby enabling closer of the second stage fuel cycle. This will pay way for utilization of the abundant thorium reserves in the third stage of the nuclear power program comprising of thorium based reactors. The prototype first breeder reactor was designed and built indigenously, reflecting decades of dedicated efforts by our scientists, engineers and industry partners. Prototype first breeder reactor technology exemplifies the scientific and engineering prowess of Atmanirbhar Bharat and signifies our journey towards Viksit Bharat. On this occasion, I congratulate the team of Bharatiya Navika Vidyut Nigam Limited, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Baba Atomic Research Center and other D units associated with the project. Partners from the Indian industry and all stakeholders who have contributed to this extraordinary achievement. Jai Hind.