STAGE-II FAST BREEDER REACTOR PROGRAMME
- The second stage of nuclear power generation envisages setting up of fast breeder reactors (FBRS) backed by reprocessing plants and plutonium-based fuel fabrication plants.
- These fast breeder system produce more than what they consume.
- FBRs can increase fuel utilisation by about 60 times of what is possible with PHWRS.
- IGCAR started the breeder programme with the setting up of a Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu in October 1985. This reactor, operating with indigenously developed mixed uranium-plutonium carbide fuel has achieved its technology objectives.
- Based on the experience gained with the FBTR, the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd, (BHAVINI – formed in October 2003) is constructing a 500 megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
- The Mark-I mixed carbide fuel core, with high plutonium content, has been developed for the first time in the world. Fabrication of Mark—II core is progressing at Trombay.
- For reprocessing of FBTR fuel, the lead Mini Cell, henceforth known as Compact Reprocessing facility for Advanced fuels in Lead cells (CORAL) has been commissioned at Kalpakkam.
- It is aimed at establishing the fast reactor reprocessing process flow sheet, IGCAR is setting up the Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant (FRFRP).
STAGE-III THORIUM BASED REACTORS
- The third stage of the Indian Nuclear Power Programme is based on the thorium- uranium-233 cycle.
- A beginning has already been made by introducing thorium, in a limited way, in research reactors and in pressurised heavy water reactors.
- The research reactor KAMINI operating up to a nominal power of 30KW for neutron radiography of various materials, at Kalpakkam, uses uranium-233 fuel derived from thorium. This fuel is bred, reprocessed and fabricated indigenously.
- BARC is engaged in developing 300MWe advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR).
- A critical facility for validation of physics calculation pertaining to AHWR core design is being set up at
- For the separation of uranium-233 from irradiated thorium fuel on a plant scale, a uranium-thorium Separation Facility is in operation at Trombay.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
- An independent body, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) monitors safety.
- The safety standards formulated by AERB are at par with those recommended by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).
- NPCIL is a member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). The Association has conducted peer reviews of atomic power stations at Kakrapar and
- Sophisticated weather monitoring SODAR systems are operational at Kaiga, Kalpakkam, Tarapur and Trombay.
- IREMON, a nationwide network of environmental radiation monitoring stations detects radiation releases.
- Interfaced with global positioning system, a Compact Aerial Radiation Monitoring System (CARMS) for estimation of large area contamination using unmanned aerial vehicle, is also in operation at Trombay.
