THE HINDU dated 3.9.2003

By Our Special Correspondent
    NEW DELHI SEPT.2. The Union Cabinet today cleared the Department of Atomic Energy's proposal to set up a 500 MW prototype of the next generation fast breeder nuclear power reactor at Kalpakkam on the outskirts of Chennai at a cost of Rs.3,492 crores.
    The decision is a dream come true for atomic energy establishment in the country as it sets the stage for the unfolding of the commercial possibilities for exploitation of Thorium. Right from the beginning of the atomic energy programme in the country, scientists have been itching to develop the technology for using Thorium on two grounds. Firstly, it has larger energy potential than Uranium, the traditional raw material for nuclear reactors and secondly India had greater reserves of Thorium than Uranium. Indian Thorium reserves are estimated at five to six times that of Uranium.
    Announcing the Cabinet's decision, a spokesperson of the Government said, the prototype fast breeder reactor is expected to be ready for commercial operation in eight years
It would generate 2,585 million units of energy a year at capacity factor of 62.8 per cent and help meet the increasing energy demand of Tamil Nadu and other southern States

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