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.
Criticality
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Source: The Indian Express