500 MWe PROTOTYPE FAST BREEDER REACTOR

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) of India has granted permission for the “First Approach to Criticality” of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

EXPLANATION:

• This crucial approval marks a significant step in India’s nuclear energy development, highlighting the progress of the country’s first indigenous PFBR.
• The permission allows for the loading of nuclear fuel into the reactor core and the initiation of low power physics experiments, which are essential for assessing reactor behavior and ensuring operational safety.

Understanding the “First Approach to Criticality”

• The term “First Approach to Criticality” refers to the process of loading nuclear fuel into the reactor core and gradually bringing the reactor to a state where a self-sustained nuclear fission chain reaction is achieved.
• This phase is critical in the operationalisation of any nuclear reactor as it tests the reactor’s ability to reach and maintain criticality—a state where the nuclear fission reaction becomes self-sustaining.
• In the case of the 500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam, this process involves meticulous steps starting with the insertion of control and blanket sub-assemblies into the reactor core, followed by the loading of fuel sub-assemblies.
• Once criticality is achieved, the reactor will undergo a series of low power physics experiments.
• These experiments are designed to gather data on reactor behavior under controlled conditions, ensuring that all safety parameters are met before moving to higher power operations.

Rigorous Safety Review and Oversight by AERB

• The approval by AERB came after a comprehensive and multi-tiered safety review process.
• The AERB’s review included detailed evaluations of the reactor’s design, safety features, and operational protocols.
• This process was supplemented by regular inspections and oversight by a resident site observer team stationed at Kalpakkam.
• The multi-tier safety review ensured that every aspect of the reactor’s operation adheres to the highest safety standards.
• The core loading activities, which commenced earlier this year, were conducted under AERB’s stringent oversight.
• These activities included the insertion of control and blanket sub-assemblies, which are critical components in managing the reactor’s nuclear fission process.
• AERB’s approval followed an exhaustive evaluation of safety submissions, review outcomes, and a site visit, confirming that all necessary safety measures are in place for the reactor’s approach to criticality.

The Significance of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

• The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is a key component of India’s nuclear power program.
• Developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), the PFBR represents a significant advancement in nuclear technology, particularly in the field of fast breeder reactors.
• Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, fast breeder reactors generate more fissile material than they consume, making them a highly efficient and sustainable option for nuclear power generation.
• The PFBR at Kalpakkam is a sodium-cooled reactor, which uses liquid sodium as a coolant instead of water.
• Sodium’s high thermal conductivity allows the reactor to operate at higher temperatures, improving its thermal efficiency.
• Moreover, fast breeder reactors like the PFBR have the potential to significantly enhance India’s energy security by utilizing the country’s abundant thorium resources in the future, thus reducing dependence on imported uranium.

Implications for India’s Nuclear Energy Capabilities

• The successful operationalisation of the 500 MWe PFBR will have far-reaching implications for India’s nuclear energy capabilities.
• As the first of its kind in the country, the PFBR sets the stage for future development of more advanced fast breeder reactors, positioning India as a leader in this cutting-edge technology.
• The reactor’s ability to produce more fuel than it consumes also aligns with India’s long-term energy strategy.
• It also includes increasing the share of nuclear power in its energy mix to meet growing electricity demand and reduce carbon emissions.
• Furthermore, the PFBR project reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in nuclear technology.
• The indigenous development of this reactor underscores the country’s technical expertise and innovation in the nuclear field.
• It also demonstrates the effectiveness of India’s nuclear regulatory framework, which ensures that all nuclear projects are conducted with the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was constituted in 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.
• The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The objectives of this performance audit were to examine whether:
  • AERB has the necessary legal status, authority, independence and adequate mandate to fulfil the responsibilities expected of a nuclear regulator.
  • AERB has been able to regulate nuclear and other radiation utilities through a system of consents effectively.
  • emergency preparedness plans are in place for nuclear and radiation facilities and during transport of large radioactive sources, irradiated fuel and fissile material.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2039099