New Delhi, 26 April (H.S.):

In the 133rd episode of his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India’s scientists for two major milestones in the energy sector. The Prime Minister specifically celebrated the recent attainment of first criticality by the indigenous 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

Reflecting on his visit to the Kalpakkam facility in March 2024, where he witnessed the core-loading process, the Prime Minister described the reactor’s successful operation as a historic milestone in India's nuclear energy trajectory. He emphasized that the reactor, designed and built entirely through indigenous technology, serves as a powerful symbol of India’s growing scientific prowess and commitment to technological self-reliance.

In addition to nuclear energy, the Prime Minister highlighted significant growth in India's renewable energy sector. He announced that the nation has successfully added 6.05 gigawatts of wind energy capacity over the past fiscal year, bringing India’s total cumulative installed wind power capacity to over 56 gigawatts. This achievement marks a notable 46 percent increase in annual capacity addition compared to the previous year, signaling a decisive acceleration in India's green energy deployment .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar