Core Loading Process at India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Commenced at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu

Posted 05 Mar 2024

Updated 27 Mar 2024

2 min read

Core loading is the first approach to achieving criticality, leading to generation of power from the reactor.
- Core loading activity consists of loading of reactor control sub-assemblies, followed by the blanket sub-assemblies and the fuel sub-assemblies.
- Criticality means enough neutrons are created by fission to make up for those lost by leakage or absorption so that fission remains constant.
Operationalization of the PFBR (500 MWe) will mark the start of stage II of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme (refer to image).

It is constructed by Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) along with others.

About PFBR (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor):
- Advanced third generation nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissile material (Pu-239) than it consumes.
- Will initially use the Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
- In it, Uranium-238 will undergo nuclear transmutation to produce more fuel, thus called ‘Breeder’.
  - Transmutation is conversion of one chemical element into another.
  - Thorium can be also used, it transmutes into Uranium-233.
- Utilizes liquid sodium as a coolant.
- Key Benefit: Inherent passive safety features ensuring a prompt and safe shut down of the plant in emergency.

Once commissioned, India will only be the second country after Russia to have commercial operating FBR.

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