Stage II of India’s 3-stage nuclear programme

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the core-loading of the indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu marking a significant step in India's nuclear power program.

What is PFBR?

• Developed by- Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVANI).
• Design- Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
• Location- Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
• Nuclear Fuel Complex- It is entrusted with the responsibility of fabrication of core subassemblies for Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) and 500 MWe PFBR.
• BARC- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre contributes to the research & development and manufacture of fuels for fast reactors, technology for reprocessing of fuels, waste management and health and safety of the work force.
• Expansion- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) proposed building 4 more FBRs with a capacity of 600 MWe each.
• Fissile material- Mixed oxide of Uranium and Plutonium-239 (By-product from stage-I).
• Coolant- Liquid sodium, a highly reactive substance used in 2 circuits to transfer heat and produce electricity.
• Breeder reactor- It generates more Pu-239 than it consumes.

To know about the history of India’s nuclear program click here

Why PFBR delayed?

• Impact of sanction- Sanctions following India’s ‘Smiling Buddha’ nuclear test led to the use of mixed carbide fuel instead of enriched uranium, affecting power output and operating conditions.
• Loss of expertise-Many experts involved with the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) were retiring by the time PFBR was approved in 2003, leading to a loss of expertise.
• Fund deficit- The project faced cost overruns, and the need for additional funds and extensions contributed to delays.
• Procurement Delays- An audit revealed that BHAVINI’s dependency on the Nuclear Power Corporation of India resulted in significant delays in component procurement.
• Operational challenges- The experts expected that the reactor vessel could be preheated to 150^oC in about a month based on theoretical calculations and tests with a mock-up, but the process took more than a year in reality.
• Technical difficulties- The coolant liquid sodium is highly reactive, it requires careful handling due to leaks, blockages or temperature fluctuations.
• Fukushima Daiichi disaster 2011- It shifted global public opinion against nuclear power, affecting new facility construction.

What are the challenges with PFBR?

• Safety concerns- Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) are known to be more challenging to handle than other reactor types, raising safety concerns.
• Regulatory dependency- The Atomic Energy Regulatory Body (AERB) has faced criticism for lacking independence, there have been calls for an independent statutory atomic regulator to enhance safety oversight.
• Public reaction- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has faced public skepticism and concerns about its handling of safety issues.
• Radioactive by-products- The thorium fuel cycle, while promising for its abundance, produces radioactive byproducts (caesium-137, actinium-227, radium-224, radium-228, and thorium-230) that require careful handling and storage.

What lies ahead?

• Nuclear power is seen as a strategic component in India's energy mix, providing a reliable and continuous source of electricity while supporting national goals related to energy security and sustainability.
• The proposed expansion of FBRs indicates a commitment to advancing nuclear technology in India despite challenges.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited announced plans to commission a nuclear power reactor every year suggest a proactive approach to meeting energy demands and contributing to the country's energy transition.

Quick facts

Reference

1. The Hindu- PFBR stage II nuclear program
2. DAE- Annual report 2022-23