PM Modi Inaugurates Unique Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant in Kalpakkam
Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu): The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth more than Rs 20,000 crores in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu on 02-01-2024. The development projects include sectors such as rail, road, oil and gas, and shipping sectors in Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for important road development projects during the programme. These include the construction of 31 km long stretch four-lane road from Mugaiyur to Marakkanam of NH 332A. The road will connect ports on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, enhance road connectivity to the world heritage site – Mamallapuram and provide better connectivity to Kalpakkam Atomic Power Plant.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Demonstration Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant (DFRP) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district.
Built at a cost of about Rs. 400 Crore, this groundbreaking facility has the unique distinction of being the world’s only industrial-scale plant capable of handling both carbide and oxide spent fuels from fast reactors. A technological marvel, DFRP houses several indigenously designed and developed novel equipment. The technological complexity involves housing ~150 km of stainless-steel piping with ~1000 process vessels, all complying with international codes and standards. It serves as a precursor to large-scale commercial fast reactor fuel reprocessing plants.
A testament to Atma Nirbhar Bharat, the DFRP symbolises the successful
collaboration between government R&D infrastructure and Indian industries, leading
to a crucial stepping stone for the next generation of breeder and fast reactors.
The dedication to the nation of DFRP by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores Bharat’s commitment to realising the dream of Net Zero by leveraging the full potential of India’s uranium and thorium reserves and providing abundant green energy through the three-stage nuclear power programme the release said.
