India's First Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor Achieves Criticality

India has achieved a major milestone in nuclear energy as its first 500-megawatt fast breeder reactor reached criticality, positioning the nation as a leader in next-generation nuclear technology. Fast breeder reactors can generate more fissile material than they consume, potentially solving the fuel sustainability challenge that limits conventional nuclear power. The achievement comes as nations worldwide race to expand nuclear capacity amid growing energy demands from AI data centers and the push to decarbonize.