The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam has celebrated a significant milestone, marking 40 years since the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) achieved criticality on October 18, 1985. This event highlights India”s advancements in nuclear technology and its commitment to developing an indigenous fast breeder program.
The FBTR, with a thermal power output of 40 MWt and an electrical output of 13.6 MWe, has played a pivotal role in the country”s nuclear progress. Designed as a testing facility for advanced fuels and structural materials, it has provided crucial operational data over the years, aiding the design and development of the subsequent Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and other future reactor systems.
Notably, the FBTR is distinguished globally as the only fast breeder reactor utilizing mixed plutonium-uranium carbide fuel, composed of 70 percent plutonium carbide and 30 percent uranium carbide. This unique fuel composition enhances thermal conductivity and breeding potential, reinforcing India”s strategy for a closed fuel cycle aimed at ensuring long-term energy security.
K N Vyas, the Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, emphasized the reactor”s significance during the anniversary event, stating, “This reactor stands as proof of India”s ability to design and operate complex nuclear systems independently.” He also unveiled a commemorative publication in honor of the occasion.
S Sridhar, Director of the Reactor Facilities Group at IGCAR, remarked that the FBTR”s journey reflects India”s command over fast reactor technology. C G Karhadkar, Director of IGCAR, noted the reactor”s “four decades of safe and reliable operation” and its ongoing strategic importance in the nation”s nuclear roadmap.
The anniversary celebration also marked a scientific achievement with the successful separation of Phosphorus-32, a radioisotope vital for cancer treatment, from irradiated strontium sulfate pellets. This significant milestone in medical isotope production was subsequently delivered to the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology.
In addition to the formal celebrations, veteran nuclear scientists such as S A Bhardwaj, Dr C Ganguly, S C Chetal, Dr P R Vasudeva Rao, Dr S A V Satya Murty, and Dr B Venkatraman shared their reflections on the reactor”s development. A photo exhibition showcased the technological milestones of the FBTR and its contributions to enhancing India”s strategic nuclear capabilities.
Factfile: Fast Breeders Around the World
The Monju Fast Breeder Reactor in Japan was decommissioned in 2016 following a sodium leak and fire that caused a lengthy shutdown. The Rapsodie reactor in France, which was one of the pioneering sodium-cooled reactors, operated for 15 years before its decommissioning in 1983.
