India's Nuclear Leap: Fast-Breeder Reactor Fuel Loading Commences

Fuel loading at India's first fast-breeder reactor in Kalpakkam is set to begin, marking a significant milestone. The sodium-cooled reactor aims to achieve first criticality within six months, advancing India's nuclear energy program. This move is pivotal for recycling spent fuel, key to India's three-stage nuclear strategy.

In a significant stride for India's nuclear energy capabilities, the country is poised to commence fuel loading at its first prototype fast-breeder reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This advancement comes after Indian nuclear scientists successfully navigated several technical hurdles, setting the stage for the facility's operational phase.

The reactor, a sodium-cooled 500 MWe marvel, will be the second of its kind globally after Russia's unit. The milestone follows initial setbacks post its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, yet recent approvals by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board have paved the way for fuel loading and eventual full-scale operations.

Upon reaching full capacity, the reactor will play a critical role in India's three-stage nuclear energy program—transforming spent fuel into a power source, and contributing significantly to the projected 100 GW quantum leap in the nation's nuclear power landscape by 2031-32.

(With inputs from agencies.)