India has attained a key height in its long-term nuclear energy strategy after its Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday.
In a post on X, Modi said the development represented a defining moment in India’s civil nuclear programme, advancing the second stage of the country’s three-phase nuclear roadmap.
The PFBR, which has been indigenously designed and constructed, is a fast reactor capable of producing more nuclear fuel than it consumes.
Such reactors are considered crucial for improving fuel efficiency and reducing long-term waste, while laying the groundwork for advanced nuclear technologies.
According to the Prime Minister, the reactor’s successful attainment of criticality demonstrates the depth of India’s scientific expertise and the growing strength of its engineering sector.
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He added that the project is a decisive step towards eventually harnessing India’s vast thorium reserves, which form the backbone of the programme’s third stage.
"Today, India takes a defining step in its civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of its nuclear programme.
"The indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has attained criticality.
"This advanced reactor, capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, reflects the depth of our scientific capability and the strength of our engineering enterprise. It is a decisive step towards harnessing our vast thorium reserves in the third stage of the programme.
"A proud moment for India. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers," he wrote.