Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), visited the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam today to review the critical technical milestones.

Dr. Mohanty assessed the plant’s current status along with Shri P. A. Suresh Babu, Chief Managing Director of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), and other senior officials. The review focused on ongoing low-power physics experiments and the overhauling of the Turbine Generator (TG) system. The TG overhauling is being executed by its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). During the visit, the Chairman also interacted closely with the BHEL engineering team.

TG System overhauling is an important activity required to be completed before the synchronisation of PFBR with Grid. The 500 MW TG of the PFBR, supplied by BHEL is of a tandem-compound design, comprising separate High-Pressure (HP), Intermediate-Pressure (IP), and Low-Pressure (LP) cylinders. The superheated steam generated by the sodium-heated once-through Steam Generators (SGs) drives the Turbine Generator (TG) to produce 500 MW of electrical power. A maximum flow of 2,025 tph of superheated steam is supplied from the Steam Generators to the turbine at a pressure of 177 kg/cm² and a temperature of 493°C.

This visit follows the historic first criticality achieved by the PFBR on April 6, 2026. As a premier Government of India Enterprise under the DAE, BHAVINI holds the mandate to construct and operate India’s fast breeder reactors.

The FBR technology is a major leap forward, capable of breeding more fissile fuel than it consumes. This ensures long-term fuel self-sufficiency and serves as the cornerstone of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. Beyond delivering reliable, low-carbon base load power, it paves the way for utilizing the nation's vast thorium resources, strengthening energy security and supporting Net-Zero carbon goals.

Looking ahead, BHAVINI is transitioning from this prototype stage to a commercial fleet-mode deployment. Pre-project activities are already underway for a twin-unit fast breeder project adjacent to the current Kalpakkam site. In the long term, BHAVINI plans a phased, nationwide deployment of additional fast reactors, supported by ongoing site identification and preparatory assessments.

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TV/RJ

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