NEW DELHI, April 7 (V7N) – India has taken a major step toward producing its own nuclear fuel after a domestically designed reactor achieved a controlled nuclear reaction, a key stage before power generation begins.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam had attained “criticality,” meaning a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction had started. “This advanced reactor, capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, reflects the depth of our scientific capability and the strength of our engineering enterprise,” Modi said late Monday.  

The PFBR is seen as central to India’s long-term nuclear ambitions, including harnessing vast thorium reserves as a potential fuel source. While the reactor is not yet supplying electricity to the grid, full power operation is expected in subsequent stages.  

India, the world’s most populous country and third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, plans to expand nuclear capacity from its current eight gigawatts to 100 gigawatts by 2047. The move comes amid global energy uncertainty, with Middle East conflicts raising concerns about fuel supply disruptions.  

Despite its heavy reliance on coal, India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, positioning nuclear energy as a crucial part of its transition strategy.  

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