Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) is advancing plans to move beyond the prototype stage and deploy a fleet of fast breeder reactors across India, with pre-project activities already underway for a twin-unit project at Kalpakkam and site identification in progress for future reactors.
The roadmap gained further momentum on Saturday as Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), reviewed the progress of the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, assessing key technical milestones ahead of its synchronisation with the national power grid.
Focus on pre-grid milestones
Dr. Mohanty reviewed the plant’s status along with BHAVINI Chief Managing Director P. A. Suresh Babu and senior officials. The discussions centred on ongoing low-power physics experiments and the overhauling of the Turbine Generator (TG) system, which is being carried out by Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
During the visit, the DAE Secretary also interacted with the BHEL engineering team involved in the turbine generator overhauling.
Critical turbine overhaul underway
The turbine generator overhauling is one of the final critical activities that must be completed before the PFBR is synchronised with the national grid.
The 500 MW turbine generator supplied by BHEL features a tandem-compound design comprising separate High-Pressure (HP), Intermediate-Pressure (IP) and Low-Pressure (LP) cylinders. It is powered by superheated steam generated from sodium-heated once-through Steam Generators (SGs) to produce 500 MW of electricity.
The steam generators supply a maximum of 2,025 tonnes per hour of superheated steam to the turbine at a pressure of 177 kg/cm² and a temperature of 493°C.
Building on first criticality milestone
The review comes after the PFBR achieved its historic first criticality on April 6, 2026, marking a major milestone for India’s advanced nuclear energy programme.
BHAVINI, a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, is responsible for constructing and operating India’s fast breeder reactors.
Strategic role in India’s nuclear programme
Fast breeder reactor technology forms the cornerstone of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme by producing more fissile fuel than it consumes, enabling long-term fuel sustainability.
In addition to generating reliable low-carbon baseload power, the technology is expected to unlock the future utilisation of India’s vast thorium reserves, strengthening the country’s energy security while supporting its net-zero carbon ambitions.
Fleet-mode deployment plans
BHAVINI has already initiated pre-project activities for a twin-unit fast breeder reactor project adjacent to the existing PFBR site at Kalpakkam. Over the longer term, the company plans a phased nationwide deployment of additional fast breeder reactors, supported by site identification and preparatory assessments.