The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) was designed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai as a key part of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. The AHWR is a next-generation reactor that primarily uses thorium as fuel instead of uranium, making it an important step toward India’s goal of achieving energy independence using its vast thorium reserves.
Uses thorium-232 and a small amount of low-enriched uranium (LEU) or plutonium-239 as fuel.
Based on heavy water moderation and light water cooling.
Has an inherent passive safety system, reducing the risk of accidents.
Designed to produce 300 MW of electricity.
Aims to maximize thorium utilization, an abundant resource in India.
India has limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves (especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu).
The AHWR plays a crucial role in the third stage of India’s nuclear power strategy, which focuses on a self-sustaining thorium fuel cycle. It helps India move toward sustainable and clean nuclear energy.
