Itanagar

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday hailed the first criticality of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu as a "historic leap for India’s clean energy future".

Khandu said the development marks a significant milestone in India’s nuclear energy programme and reflects the country’s growing capabilities in advanced science and indigenous technology.

"A historic leap for India’s clean energy future! The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has achieved first criticality, marking the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction," the chief minister said in a post on X.

Describing the development as a defining moment for the nation’s energy ambitions, he said, it is more than just a milestone; it is a moment of immense national pride.

Khandu credited the progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India continues to advance rapidly in strategic sectors under his guidance.

"Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India continues to make remarkable strides in science, innovation, and energy security,” he said.

Highlighting the indigenous nature of the project, the chief minister observed that the reactor has been built using advanced domestic technology and research, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in the nuclear sector.

"Built using indigenous technology and driven by cutting-edge research, this achievement paves the way for sustainable, low-carbon energy while unlocking the full potential of India’s uranium and thorium resources," he said.

Khandu added that the success of the PFBR strengthens India’s long-term nuclear strategy and supports the country’s push towards energy security and self-reliance.

"Salute to the brilliant scientists, engineers, and teams who made this possible!" Khandu added.

The PFBR, developed by BHAVINI, is a key component of India’s ambitious three-stage nuclear power programme, officials said.

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With a capacity of 500 megawatts electric (MWe), the sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor is designed to generate more fissile material than it consumes by converting fertile material such as uranium-238 into plutonium.

The reactor is also seen as a crucial step toward utilising India’s vast thorium reserves for long-term, sustainable nuclear energy generation, they added.