India fast breeder reactor reaches criticality, a rare leap toward energy independence

Plutonium from spent fuel powers the breakthrough

India’s fast-breeder nuclear reactor has reached criticality, marking a major step in a long-running effort to secure energy independence. The reactor is designed to use plutonium recovered from spent fuel to generate electricity and produce additional fissile material—technology that only a handful of countries have mastered. Analysts say the milestone strengthens India’s next phase of nuclear capability.