'Historic': PM on Kalpakkam n-reactor attaining criticality, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved criticality, marking a historic milestone in India's nuclear energy journey.
• The reactor was built entirely using indigenous technology, contributing to the Viksit Bharat initiative.
• India's wind energy generation capacity has exceeded 56 gigawatts.

Detailed Insights:

• The achievement of criticality signifies the reactor successfully attaining a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction for the first time, entering the operational phase.
• India's civil nuclear program has benefited various sectors, including agriculture, industry, energy, and healthcare, fostering industrial growth and innovation.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Criticality: The state in a nuclear reactor when a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is achieved.
• Fast Breeder Reactor: A nuclear reactor that breeds more fissile material than it consumes while generating power.

Three-Stage Nuclear Program