BARC DEVELOPS ADVANCED HEAVY WATER REACTOR
The Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, has developed an advanced heavy
water reactor (AHWR) to expedite transition to thorium-based systems.
The reactor physics design of AHWR is timed to generate about
65 per cent power from thorium. The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission,
Dr Anil Kakodkar, revealed this while talking to PIB Special Services
in Mumbai. The design has several advanced safety features. The
detailed project is undergoing a review before its construction
begins in the next financial year. Dr. Kakodkar said the AHWR
design has been carried out with a futuristic vision. The design
incorporates several safety features to enhance its operational
efficiency. Being a thorium system, the wastage from it is expected
to be minimal.
Dr Kakodkar said
timely implementation of a programme for thorium utilisation is
very crucial to meet the increasing energy demands in the country.
A small beginning has already been made by introducing thorium
in a limited way in research reactors and in the pressurised heavy
water reactors (PHWRS). With sustained efforts over the years
India has gained experience over the entire thorium fuel cycle.
A research reactor called Kamini is operating in Kalpakkam, Tamil
Nadu, based on Uranium 233 fuel which is derived from thorium.
This fuel was bred, reprocessed and fabricated indigenously, Dr
Kekodkar added.
