Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has appreciated India’s achievement in attaining criticality of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. The landmark step marks a significant advancement in the country’s indigenous nuclear programme and its pursuit of long-term energy sustainability.

 

In a post on his official X account, Mr Grossi described the development as impressive progress by India in achieving criticality of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, a key step forward in fuel sustainability and the future of nuclear energy. He reaffirmed the IAEA’s commitment to India, saying that the organisation will continue supporting the safe and secure development of India’s nuclear programme. The IAEA chief in his message on X extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

 

The Kalpakkam facility is a cornerstone of India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy, designed to harness the country’s abundant thorium reserves and achieve greater fuel efficiency while reducing dependence on imported uranium.