Fast Breeder Reactor

• A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes during electricity generation. 
• The term "breeder" comes from the fact that the reactor generates more fuel while operating, making it capable of producing fuel for further use.

Fast Neutrons: 

• FBRs use fast neutrons (which are faster than thermal neutrons) to convert Uranium-238 into Plutonium-239, a fissile material that can be used as fuel. 
• This process makes the reactor more fuel-efficient, as it produces more fuel than it consumes.

Fuel Type: 

• FBRs typically use Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel, which consists of a mixture of Uranium and Plutonium.

Fuel Conversion: 

• The reactor core is surrounded by a "blanket" of Uranium-238, which undergoes nuclear transmutation (the conversion of one element into another) to produce more fuel, specifically Plutonium-239. 
• This is why it is called a "breeder" reactor.

Introduction to PFBR (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor)

• PFBR (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor) is India’s first indigenous fast breeder reactor. 
• It is an important part of India's three-stage nuclear power program and is operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
• Operation: Operated by BHAVINI under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
• The significance of PFBR lies in its ability to breed more fuel while producing power, marking a crucial step in India's nuclear power journey.

Significance of PFBR

Energy Generation: 

• PFBR helps India increase its energy supply and utilize nuclear resources more efficiently. 
• It not only generates electricity but also produces new nuclear fuel.

Part of the Three-Stage Nuclear Program: 

• The operation of PFBR marks the beginning of the second phase of India's three-stage nuclear power program. 
• This phase focuses on using Plutonium-239 and Uranium-238 as fuel.

Thorium-Based Energy: 

• India has large reserves of Thorium, and PFBR is the first step in utilizing Thorium-based reactors. 
• Thorium-232 will be converted into Uranium-233, which will be used as fuel in the third phase of the nuclear program.

India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program

• India’s three-stage nuclear power program was designed by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha to maximize the use of India’s limited Uranium reserves while exploiting its large reserves of Thorium. 
• The program consists of three stages:
  • Stage 1: Uranium-based reactors that establish the initial nuclear energy infrastructure.
  • Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), where Plutonium-239 is used and Uranium-238 is converted into fissile material.
  • Stage 3: Thorium-based reactors that will use Uranium-233 as fuel, derived from the conversion of Thorium-232.
• The third stage will be crucial for India to become self-sufficient in nuclear fuel, with the use of its vast Thorium reserves.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was established in 1983 under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to regulate the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation in India. 
• The primary mission of AERB is to ensure that nuclear energy and radiation are used in a manner that does not pose undue risk to the health of people or the environment.
• Establishment: 1983
• Mission: AERB ensures that the use of nuclear energy in India is safe and complies with stringent safety standards. 
• It monitors nuclear installations, sets safety regulations, and ensures public safety from ionizing radiation.

Thorium Reserves in India

• India holds approximately 25% of the world's thorium ores (monazite). 
• Thorium is primarily found in the sand of coastal areas and riverbeds in various states of India. 
• These states include:
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Odisha
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • West Bengal
  • Jharkhand
• The thorium is mainly found in beach sands and river sands. 
• India's vast reserves of thorium could be crucial for the future of thorium-based nuclear energy. 
• As thorium is abundant in India, it could play a significant role in India's energy security and future nuclear energy development. 
• India plans to use thorium-based reactors in the future, potentially making a big contribution to global energy sustainability.

Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant (KAPP)

• The Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant (KAPP-4), located in Gujarat, is a significant nuclear power plant in India. 
• The Unit 4 of KAPP has started operating at its full capacity of 700 MW. 
• It is a domestic nuclear reactor that contributes to India's nuclear power generation.

About the Plant:

• KAPP-4: This is a Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). In this type of reactor, natural uranium is used as fuel, and heavy water (D2O) is used as a moderator.

Advantages:

• The KAPP-4 unit addresses the issue of additional thermal margin.
• Thermal margin refers to the difference between the operating temperature of the reactor and its maximum permissible operating temperature, ensuring safe operation.