Sample Material of Our Online Coaching Programme
Subject: General Science
Topic: India’s Nuclear Programme
Atomic Energy
The department of atomic energy (DAE), established on 3 august 1954 is engaged in the development of nuclear power technology, applications of radiations technologies in the field of agriculture, medicine, industry and basic research.
Following are the profile of DAE’s achievements and activities under its major programmes.
Nuclear Power Programme
DAE has been pursing the following 3 stages nuclear power programme :
- The first stage comprises setting up of pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and associated fuel cycle facilities. In PHWRs natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as modulator and coolant.
- The second stage envisages setting up of fast breeder reactors (FBIs) backed by reprocessing plants and plutonium –based fuel fabrication plants. Plutonium is produced by irradiation -238.
- The third stage is based on the thorium -uranium – 233 cycles. Uranium – 233 is obtained by irradiation of thorium.
- The first stage comprises of nuclear power programme is already in commercial domain.