Economics of Fast Reactors: An Indian Perspective

In the Indian energy scenario projections for the future, nuclear power through fast reactors is expected to play an important role, representing ~20% of the total installed electrical capacity by 2050. Successful operation of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor over 27 years, strong R&D executed in a multi-disciplinary domain and construction of a 500 MW(e) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) based on an indigenous design have provided high confidence in the success of fast breeder technology. Beyond the PFBR, there are plans to construct six more FBRs, each of 500 MW(e) capacity. Towards this end, a systematic roadmap has been drawn up for improved economy and enhanced safety through a number of measures. The major features incorporated to achieve economy are twin unit concept, plant lifetime increased to 60 years in comparison to 40 years for the PFBR, reduced fuel cycle cost with higher burnup, number of steam generators reduced from eight to six, minimizing the use of 316LN stainless steel for the nuclear steam supply system, reduction in special steel specific weight requirements, compact plant layout, improved load factor, reduction in construction time by at least 2 years and co-location of fuel cycle facility. Beyond four reactors, a series of 1000 MW(e) capacity metallic fuel reactors with high breeding potential will be constructed and R&D activities have been systematically planned for metallic fuel development. The paper highlights in brief the results of studies carried out in some of the countries for cost reduction of fast breeder reactors. It also explains in detail the fast breeder reactor programme in India and highlights the measures taken to reduce the cost of future fast breeder reactors beyond the PFBR. (author)