India PFBR 500 MWe Hits Criticality April 6, Thorium Path to Double Energy Demand by 2040

Indias 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieved first criticality on April 6, 2026, starting controlled fission in its sodium-cooled fast design that breeds more fuel than it consumes. This advances the three-stage nuclear program toward thorium energy, addressing demand projected to double by 2040 for 1.4 billion people. Trace elements summit gathers 200 experts, solar winds hit 650 km/s sparking Kp=4 auroras.