What is the fast breeder reactor programme?
The fast breeder reactor marks the second stage of the nuclear power programme in India. Unlike a thermal nuclear reactor, a breeder reactor generates more fissile plutonium than it consumes in the process of generating energy. According to Dr A Gopalakrishnan, former chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India has eight fast breeder reactors under construction now at Kalpakkam. By 2020 India will utilise thorium in these breeders as fissile material, which will enable the country to produce 1,55,502 GW energy per year. The programme will help meet India’s exploding energy needs. • V P Singh: Respect concerns of nuclear scientists How is the Kalpakkam station connected with the programme? The Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam is the base for India’s fast breeder reactor programme. The centre built a small fast breeder test reactor in 1985. In 1997, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, the research and development establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy at K
