India push toward a clean energy future via nuclear power has hit a temporary roadblock as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) a crucial part of the country three-stage nuclear programme faces delays owing to first-of-its-kind technological challenges.
Responding in Parliament, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, acknowledged that the delays stem from complex and unprecedented engineering issues. However, he affirmed that these are being actively addressed in close coordination with reactor designers and experts.
Located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, the PFBR is central to India’s long-term nuclear strategy, especially as it transitions toward thorium-based reactors in the third stage. The core loading of the reactor, which took place in March last year in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was seen as a milestone in India’s indigenous nuclear development.
Approved for integrated commissioning by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) in July, the PFBR is designed to generate more fuel than it consumes a feature that makes it especially valuable in a resource-conserving energy future.
Despite the current hurdles, the PFBR is expected to play a strategic role in helping India achieve its target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, in line with the country’s climate commitments and growing energy demands. The government reiterated that overcoming initial technical challenges is part of any pioneering mission and reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up nuclear energy with safety, innovation, and long-term sustainability.