A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast (high-energy) neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction and, at the same time, “breeds” more fissile fuel than it consumes, thereby enhancing the efficiency of nuclear fuel use.
- It uses plutonium-based fuel.
- FBRs are central to the second stage of the three-stage nuclear power programme, bridging PHWRs (Stage 1) and future thorium-based reactors (Stage 3).
- Recent development: Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor attains criticality.
Source: The Indian Express