• UGI USER
  • Mar 04, 2024
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PM TO WITNESS LAUNCH OF CORE LOADING OF REACTOR IN T.N. TODAY

Why in the news?

“PM Witnesses Landmark Core Loading of Indigenous PFBR at Kalpakkam Nuclear Complex” marking a historic milestone in nuclear power development.

source:slideserve

About the launch of core loading of reactor:

  • PM witnessed core loading of 500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam.
  • Developed by BHAVINI, marks significant advancement in India’s nuclear program.
  • Core includes control, blanket, fuel sub-assemblies for power generation.
About BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited)

●      BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited) established in 2003 to implement the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) project at Kalpakkam.

●      Aims to develop Fast Breeder Technology for commercial nuclear power generation.

●      Constructing 500 MWe FBR, promising energy security for India.

What is Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)?

●      Nuclear power reactor using unenriched natural uranium fuel.

●      PFBR implemented by BHAVINI under India’s Department of Atomic Energy.

●      PHWR utilizes unenriched uranium and heavy water(Deuterium oxide D2O)  as coolant/moderator.

●      Heavy water enables higher temperature operation without boiling, enhancing neutron economy.

About Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):

  • Generates more fissile material than consumed, extending nuclear fuel supply.
  • Achieves this through high neutron economy, irradiating fertile material alongside fissile fuel.
  • 500 MWe reactor under construction at Madras Atomic Power Station, Kalpakkam.
  • Utilizes Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel for operation.