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India launches prototype 500 MW fast breeder reactor
Unlike conventional reactors, it runs on mixed-oxide fuel – a mixture of uranium and plutonium
A 500 MW fast breeder reactor prototype has achieved first criticality – a controlled fission chain reaction has begun within it, marking a key milestone in its launch, as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS, citing the country’s Department of Atomic Energy.
Fast breeder reactors are a key part of India’s long-term nuclear energy strategy. A breeder reactor is a nuclear reactor that produces more fuel than it consumes. The reactor core is surrounded by a layer of uranium-238, and fast neutrons convert it into plutonium-239 – a new nuclear fuel.
In the future, the reactor is planned to be converted to thorium-232. In the reactor, thorium will be converted into uranium-233, which will serve as fuel for the next phase of India’s nuclear energy development programme.
This unique opportunity significantly expands the use of nuclear fuel resources and enables the country to extract much more energy from its limited uranium reserves while preparing for the large-scale use of thorium in the future.
The reactor is equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems, a liquid sodium cooling system, and features a closed fuel cycle, which allows for the reprocessing of nuclear materials, thereby reducing waste and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Other BRICS countries and their partners are also actively developing nuclear energy, introducing modern technologies, expanding international cooperation and considering the construction of new nuclear power plants.
Chinese engineers have developed an intelligent monitoring system to check the integrity and safety of the reactor vessel – a component often referred to as the heart of a nuclear power plant, according to the China National Nuclear Power (CNNP) website. Compared to traditional monitoring systems, it reduces the time taken to complete key stages of the reactor vessel inspection by more than three days, thereby reducing power unit downtime. Furthermore, the system is highly compatible – it adapts to various main types of reactors and fully complies with the requirements of international operational control regulations.
Uzbekistan and Russia have signed a roadmap for cooperation in the field of nuclear energy and a supplementary agreement to the contract for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Farish district of the Jizzakh region. Two large power units with a capacity of up to 1,000 MW each and two small units of 55 MW will be built. Once operational, the plant will generate around 17.2 billion kWh per year, which will cover approximately 14 per cent of Uzbekistan’s electricity needs, according to the official website of the State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM.
Kyrgyzstan plans to hold a nationwide referendum on the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant. According to First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev, before the project can be launched, it is necessary first and foremost to complete the construction of the infrastructure and train qualified personnel. The final decision on the construction of the nuclear power plant will be made based on the results of the public vote, reports Akchabar, a partner of TV BRICS.
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