Rajya Sabha Debate: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the progress of India’s three-stage nuclear program, specifically Phase 2 (Fast Breeder Reactors) and Phase 3 (Thorium Reactors).
Historical Context: India’s nuclear program began soon after independence, with Asia’s first research reactor, Apsara, in 1956, followed by a nuclear power plant in Tarapur in 1969.
Visionaries: Dr. Homi J. Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai envisioned the three-stage program to ensure India’s energy security.
Stage I (PHWRs): Uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator/coolant. Produces plutonium-239 as a byproduct, essential for Stage II.
Stage II (FBRs): Uses plutonium from Stage I and natural uranium. “Breeds” more fissile material than it consumes, converting uranium-238 into more plutonium. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam is a key component, though facing delays.
Stage III (Thorium Reactors): Aims to utilize India’s large thorium reserves. Thorium-232 is converted into uranium-233 through neutron irradiation. Envisions Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) and molten salt reactors.
Long-Term Goal: To achieve sustained nuclear power generation primarily using thorium, reducing reliance on imported uranium and paving the way for a self-reliant nuclear energy program.
