India's PFBR Fast Breeder Reactor Achieves Criticality

India's 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieved first criticality on April 6, 2026, making India second only to Russia in commercial FBR operation.
The PFBR marks stage two of India's nuclear program, enabling more efficient fuel use and paving way for thorium utilization in stage three.
Under Nuclear Mission with ₹20,000 crore allocation, India plans five Small Modular Reactors by 2033 and private sector participation via SHANTI Act.
Nuclear energy targeted to reach 100 GW capacity by 2047, playing crucial role in India's clean energy transition and Net Zero 2070 goal.