Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed the commencement of core-loading for the indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, on March 4. This event has been celebrated as a significant milestone in India’s nuclear power program.
Importance of PFBR
The PFBR is designed to generate more nuclear fuel than it consumes, making it a crucial component of India’s nuclear energy strategy. Its operationalization marks the initiation of stage II in India’s three-stage nuclear power program.
Capacity and Expansion Plans
The PFBR has a capacity of 500 MWe. Looking ahead, in 2019, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) proposed constructing four additional fast breeder reactors (FBRs), each with a capacity of 600 MWe. Two of these reactors are slated for construction in Kalpakkam starting from 2021, while the other two are planned for 2025, with specific sites yet to be determined.
Transition to Commercial Service
Experts suggest that pushing the reactors into commercial service is the most effective approach to advancing work on stage II technologies.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
- What event did Prime Minister Narendra Modi witness on March 4 at the Madras Atomic Power Station?
- A) Commencement of core-loading for PFBR
- B) Inauguration of a new nuclear research facility
- C) Announcement of a renewable energy project
- D) Launch of a satellite
- Answer: A) Commencement of core-loading for PFBR
- What is the significance of the PFBR in India’s nuclear energy strategy?
- A) It consumes more nuclear fuel than it produces.
- B) It marks the completion of stage I of India’s nuclear power program.
- C) It produces more nuclear fuel than it consumes.
- D) It utilizes natural uranium exclusively.
- Answer: C) It produces more nuclear fuel than it consumes
- What is the capacity of the PFBR?
- A) 200 MWe
- B) 400 MWe
- C) 500 MWe
- D) 700 MWe
- Answer: C) 500 MWe
- How many additional fast breeder reactors did the DAE propose to build in 2019?
- A) Two
- B) Three
- C) Four
- D) Five
- Answer: C) Four
- What is suggested as the best approach to advance work on stage II technologies?
- A) Increase government funding
- B) Enhance international collaboration
- C) Accelerate construction of additional PFBRs
- D) Press the reactors into commercial service
- Answer: D) Press the reactors into commercial service