Tripathi reported in early December 2024 that the new PFBR nuclear reactor achieves the long sought efficiency through a combination of innovative design elements. It utilizes plutonium and uranium-based mixed oxide fuel (MOX) for optimal power generation.
Its unique design makes the reactor produce more fuel than it uses, offering
a long-term energy solution. Can't be Rostom
The global demand for sustainable energy solutions is growing at an unprecedented pace. Governments and private institutions across the globe are working on increasing the adoption of renewable energy sources and reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. In the latest event, India has announced a significant milestone in nuclear technology. Its Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. This announcement underscores India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its advancement in the field of nuclear energy.
Developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), the PFBR is a 500 MWe sodium-cooled reactor located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, the PFBR utilizes fast neutrons for energy generation and employs liquid sodium as a coolant instead of water.
Innovative design to enhance overall efficiency
This innovative design allows the reactor to “breed” more fuel than it consumes, providing a sustainable answer to India’s increasing energy needs. The PFBR is fueled by plutonium and uranium-based mixed oxide fuel (MOX), ensuring high efficiency in power generation. Its advanced sodium cooling system enables operation at higher temperatures, further enhancing overall efficiency. Additionally, the reactor incorporates robust safety features, including a strong containment structure and passive cooling systems to prevent overheating. Notably, this achievement is part of India’s three-stage nuclear power program, which aims to deploy a thorium-based closed nuclear fuel cycle. Also, after its successful commissioning, India will become the second country to have a commercially operating Fast Breeder Reactor, with Russia being the first one.
The PFBR will play a crucial role in this program by breeding plutonium and U-233 for use in Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs). India’s journey in nuclear technology has seen steady progress, from Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to more sophisticated designs like the PFBR.
PHWRs, initially designed with unit sizes of 220 MW, have grown to 700 MW and now constitute the backbone of India’s nuclear power infrastructure.
PFBR amid the ever-growing fusion energy hype
PFBR is one of those few approaches that promise sustainable energy sources, including nuclear fission, fusion, and small modular reactors. Advances in these areas are also taking place quite frequently. However, it is nuclear fusion, considered the “holy grail” of clean energy, which has gained the utmost importance in recent years. There is already a massive hype and anticipation for the world’s largest nuclear fusion experiment, ITER.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has expedited the STEP (spherical tokamak for energy production) program to design and build the country’s first prototype fusion energy plant.
The US has already been witnessing a massive surge in public and private research on nuclear fusion. Recently, a company proposed an approach that could achieve nuclear fusion at a temperature far lower than previously thought. However, considering that the world has yet to achieve fusion energy, developments like India’s advances in PFBR technology could play a vital role in the generation of sustainable energy. It can act as a bridge to sustainable energy sources while fusion technology continues to mature.
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