Question : Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

(a)whether the 500 Mega Watt (MW) capacity Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) based in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu is facing any delay in its commissioning and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b)the steps taken by the Government to expedite the commissioning of the reactor and the time by which the same is likely to become operational;

(c)whether the Government proposes to construct two more such reactors at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu; and

(d)if so, the details thereof along with the time by which these two proposed PFBRs are likely to be built?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a)to(d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.


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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.453 BY SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE AND SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK REGARDING PROTOTYPE FAST BREEDER REACTOR FOR ANSWER ON 05.04.2017

(a)Yes, Sir. There is delay in commissioning of the 500 MW capacity Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. The delay is primarily owing to augmentation of certain additional assessments and checks on the installed equipment prior to commencement of their commissioning, which have essentially emanated owing to both increased regulatory requirements and as a matter of abundant caution.

(b)A multi-tier review and control mechanism has been instituted to monitor the project at the site. Project progress is also being reviewed at regular intervals by the Department of Atomic Energy. Various task forces comprising of experts from Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), and designers from Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are formed to address the technological issues faced, if any, during the commissioning process. The PFBR is expected to be operational by October 2017.

(c)&(d)Two more Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR1&2) of 600 MW capacity each are planned to be constructed at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. The estimated project completion period for FBR-1 is 8 years from the start of construction, reckoned with First Pour of Concrete (FPC), with a gap of 2 years for FBR-2.

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