Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)

When I think of energy security through non-conventional sources in the country, I am reminded of Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha, who gave a vision of three-phase programme of nuclear power to ensure energy security. The first phase of this programme led to the maturity in building pressurized heavy water reactors in the country. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was the visionary, who recognized early in the 1970’s, the need for developing Fast Breeder Reactor, which can achieve a power capacity of five hundred thousand mega watts. The Fast Breeder Reactor generates more nuclear fuel than it consumes due to gainful conversion of fertile isotopes like U238 and Th232 into Pu239 and U233 respectively. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai also understood the complexity of FBRs and drew a road map for inter disciplinary research in reactor engineering, materials, chemistry, reprocessing safety, instrumentation and other allied disciplines at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research. The experiences in construction, commissioning and satisfactory operation of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor have demonstrated the mastering of the multi-disciplinary technology for energy production. It has also created a pool of specialists in various disciplines related to complex technology of fast breeder reactor.

With this experience, a Fast Breeder Reactor of 500 MW capacity has been designed and structural integrity demonstrated using a simulation model. A pilot plant scale reprocessing facility has also been commissioned and reprocessing of FBTR fuel has commenced successfully. Two peer expert groups have reviewed the final design of FBR 500. This has provided a proof of Indian design capability. Based on this confidence a project has been sanctioned to the Department of Atomic Energy for setting up of the first FBR by a newly formed company called Bhavini at a cost of Rs. 3500 crores by 2010. Let us celebrate the success of our nuclear power development scientists and engineers and their partners in the industry for making the dream of fast breeder reactor a reality for the nation, which will lead the country towards total energy security within the next two decades. “Let us empower the nation with quality power.”

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