India has taken a significant step towards nuclear fuel self-reliance after a domestically designed reactor successfully achieved a controlled nuclear reaction, marking a crucial milestone before it begins power generation.
The energy-demanding nation, which is the world’s most populous country and the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has set ambitious goals to expand its nuclear power capacity from the current eight gigawatts to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located in Kalpakkam had attained “criticality” — the stage at which a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction begins.
In a statement issued late Monday, Modi described the development as a major milestone in the country’s civil nuclear programme.
“Today, India takes a defining step in its civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of its nuclear programme,” he said.
He added that the advanced reactor has the ability to produce more fuel than it consumes, highlighting India’s growing scientific and engineering capabilities.
Modi also called it a “decisive step towards harnessing our vast thorium reserves”, referring to a key resource that could play an important role in the future of India’s nuclear energy programme.
Although the reactor has now reached criticality, it is not yet supplying electricity to the national grid.
Power generation will begin in the next phases once the reactor moves to full operational capacity.
The development comes at a time of global energy uncertainty, particularly amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has raised concerns over potential fuel supply disruptions worldwide.
India continues to rely heavily on coal for its energy needs, but has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.