Address: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu-603102
Telephone: (91) 04114-280267
Fax: (91) 04114-280060
EMail: dirsec@igcar.ernet.in
Director, Reactor Group: S.B. Bhoje
Subordinate to: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
Size: Under development, 500MWe
Primary Function: Provide energy generation for the civilian sector

Description and Activities:
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is currently under development in Kalpakkam. It is considered as a follow-up to the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) that is also run by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). The PBFR will be a sodium-cooled, pool-type reactor with a 500MWe capacity and a lifespan of 40 years. Unlike the FBTR that uses mixed carbide fuel, PFBR will utilize a 30 percent plutonium oxide and 70 percent uranium oxide mixed fuel. This decision was reportedly due to inherent problems with mixed carbide fuels.

According to the Department of Atomic Energy's (Government of India) 2001-2002 Annual Report, all conceptual designs for PFBR have been completed. Significant progress was also supposedly made in the reactor's nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) and balance of plant (BOP) components. As of 3 October 2002, costs for PFBR program were estimated at 28 billion rupees ($575.96 million).

Key Sources: DAE (Government of India), "Annual Report 2001-2002," Executive Summary available at <http://www.dae.gov.in/ar2002/ar2002.htm>; "E-mail & Telephone Directory @ IGCAR," Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), <http://www.igcar.ernet.in/igcar2k2/email.htm>; "Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research," Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), <http://www.igcar.ernet.in/igcar2k2/igc.htm>; "Nuclear Power Programme," Embassy of India, Kyiv, 2001, <http://www.indianembassy.org.ua/english/science.htm>; R. Prasad, "Fast breeder reactor: Is advanced fuel necessary?" The Hindu (Chennai), 10 October 2002, <http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/seta/2002/10/10/stories/
2002101000030200.htm>.

	Updated September 2003