Indian Govt to build two fast breeder nuclear reactors in Tamil Nadu

Indian state-run company Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), operating under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has announced that preliminary work has begun on a twin-unit Nuclear Fast Breeder Reactor project. The new units will be located next to the existing Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, near Chennai in southern India. Over the longer term, BHAVINI intends to roll out additional fast reactors across the country in phases, with site selection and preparatory studies already in progress. The development follows the 500-megawatt PFBR achieving first criticality in April 2026. First criticality marks the beginning of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction — a key milestone before heat and electricity production can commence. Eventually, electricity generated by the PFBR will be supplied to the national grid.

The update comes after Dr AK Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), visited the PFBR site to assess major technical milestones. Joined by BHAVINI Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Babu and other senior officials, Dr Mohanty reviewed the plant’s current progress. Discussions centred on ongoing low-power physics testing and refurbishment of the Turbine Generator (TG) system. The TG overhaul is being carried out by its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

A turbine generator transforms the substantial heat produced by a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) into electricity for distribution through the grid. Heat generated in the reactor core converts water into high-pressure steam, which spins the turbine and powers the generator.

What is India's three-stage Nuclear programme?

India’s three-stage nuclear programme is a phased plan aimed at converting uranium into plutonium and ultimately harnessing thorium to ensure long-term nuclear energy sustainability.

During the first stage, Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) use natural uranium as fuel to produce electricity while generating Plutonium-239 as a by-product. India currently operates around two dozen PHWR nuclear plants, contributing roughly 3 percent of the country’s total electricity output.

The second stage involves Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), which utilise plutonium produced in the first stage to create additional fissile material and convert thorium into Uranium-233.

In the final stage, advanced reactor systems are designed to use Uranium-233 in combination with thorium to deliver sustainable nuclear power generation.

In essence, Fast Breeder Reactor technology acts as the crucial link between India’s existing PHWR fleet and the planned deployment of thorium-based reactors.

This long-term approach aligns with India’s resource profile, as the country has limited uranium reserves but holds one of the largest thorium reserves globally. While the first stage is fully operational, the second stage has only recently commenced and requires significant expansion, and the third stage remains under research and development.

India's goal to expand its nuclear power generation capacity

Currently, India’s installed nuclear power capacity stands at approximately 8,780 megawatts, generated by more than two dozen reactors nationwide. According to government projections, this capacity is expected to rise to 22,380 MW by 2031–32 as ongoing projects are completed in phases.