India has hit a historic milestone in its nuclear energy journey as the Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) successfully attains criticality, an essential step in the nation’s ambitious three-stage nuclear power program. The achievement signals India’s commitment to sustainable, self-reliant energy.
At the heart of this breakthrough is the engineering prowess of Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), which designed and supplied the Primary and Secondary Heat Transport Pumps—the only rotating equipment in the reactor system.
Each pump weighs around 135 tonnes and is built from exotic materials capable of handling liquid sodium at temperatures exceeding 500°C, representing a rare feat of precision, durability, and innovation.
“KBL stands among a select group of just four companies globally with the capability to design and manufacture such advanced nuclear-grade pumping systems. This achievement underscores the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and reflects KBL’s century-long legacy of engineering excellence and nation-building,” the company said.
Beyond the reactor pumps, KBL provided Concrete Volute Circulating Water Pumps, designed using advanced seismic and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. Integrated with KBL’s compact intake system, each pump delivers 9,500 litres per second of seawater—eliminating the need for a standby pump. This marks a global first for fast breeder reactors.
Further enhancing plant safety, KBL also implemented a comprehensive firefighting system, bolstering operational resilience.
“KBL’s association with the nation’s nuclear programme spans over four decades, during which it has consistently delivered critical pumping solutions across key facilities. We are proud that our designed and developed ‘Make in India’ solutions are enabling India’s progress towards self-reliance in nuclear infrastructure.
"This landmark accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and all stakeholders involved,” the company added.
