KAMINI (Kalpakkam Mini reactor) is a research reactor at Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam, India. It achieved criticality on October 29, 1996.[1] Designed and built jointly by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).[2] As of 2024, it produces 40MW of thermal energy at full power.[3]
KAMINI is cooled and moderated by light water, and fueled with uranium-233 metal produced by the thorium fuel cycle harnessed by the neighbouring FBTR reactor.
As of 2006, it is the world's only thorium-based experimental reactor.
KAMINI was the first and is currently the only reactor in the world designed specifically to use Uranium-233 fuel. Use of the large Thorium reserves to produce Nuclear fuel is a key strategy of India's nuclear energy program.
References
- ↑ "India: Experimental thorium reactor critical". Wise International. 13 November 1996. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
- ↑ "Applications of KAMINI - The Reactor". Archived from the original on 5 February 2012.
- ↑ "Indian test reactor reaches operation landmark : New Nuclear - World Nuclear News". www.world-nuclear-news.org. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
External links
- KAlpakkam Mini Reactor (KAMINI) Archived 10 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine
- Thorium fuel cycle in India:KAMINI fuel Archived 18 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine
- BBC - Why India wants to turn its beaches into nuclear fuel.html
- Stanford - India - A Key Player in the Future of Thorium
12°33′30″N 80°10′30″E / 12.55833°N 80.17500°E