The Department of Atomic Energy has inaugurated the indigenous Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant and commissioned a 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities in Vadodara.
Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant and commissioned the prototype sodium cell on Sunday, 21 June, the Department of Atomic Energy said in a statement.
According to the department, the new deuterated compounds plant will strengthen India’s indigenous capability to produce specialised deuterated compounds required for advanced scientific research, strategic applications and frontier technologies.
The facility has been developed to support the domestic production of high-purity deuterated solvents and meet national requirements in this critical area, the department said.
The 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell marks a major step towards indigenous industrial-scale production of nuclear-grade sodium, which is required for India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme, according to the statement.
The department said the sodium cell has been developed through sustained research, engineering work and technological innovation. It added that the facility supports self-reliance in strategic materials needed for the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
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Speaking at the event, Dr Mohanty said the inauguration of the VDPP and the commissioning of the prototype sodium cell reflect India’s growing capability to develop critical materials and technologies through indigenous research and innovation.
He said the facilities will strengthen strategic self-reliance, support advanced scientific research and contribute to the long-term objectives of India’s nuclear energy programme.
Dr Mohanty also said indigenous nuclear-grade sodium production capability is important for supporting the future growth of India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat through technological excellence.
The ceremony was attended by K N Vyas, Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and former Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission. V V S A Prasad, Chairman and Chief Executive, Heavy Water Board, K V Tale, Director, Heavy Water Board, Nitesh Mehta, Officer on Special Duty at HWBF Vadodara, and senior officials, scientists, engineers and employees of the Heavy Water Board were also present.
The Department of Atomic Energy said the two milestones reinforce India’s technological self-reliance and support the long-term objectives of the country’s nuclear power programme.
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