DAE Inaugurates Deuterated Compounds Plant, Commissions Prototype Sodium Cell at Vadodara
Vadodara (Gujarat) , June 21(TNT): In a major boost to India’s strategic materials programme and indigenous technological capabilities, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) on Sunday inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP) and commissioned a 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF) in Vadodara.
Speaking after inaugurating the facilities, DAE Secretary and & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, described the developments as important milestones in strengthening India’s self-reliance in critical materials and advanced technologies.
“The inauguration of the VDPP and commissioning of the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell reflect India’s growing capabilities in developing critical materials and technologies through indigenous research and innovation,” Dr. Mohanty said.
He noted that the facilities would support advanced scientific research, enhance strategic self-reliance and contribute to the long-term objectives of India’s nuclear energy programme.
Highlighting the significance of the sodium production facility, Dr. Mohanty said indigenous nuclear-grade sodium production capability would play a crucial role in supporting the future expansion of India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme and advancing the vision of a developed India through technological excellence.
The ceremony was attended by K. N. Vyas, Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, along with V. V. S. A. Prasad, Chairman & Chief Executive, Heavy Water Board; K. V. Tale, Director (Operation/Technical), Heavy Water Board; Nitesh Mehta, Officer on Special Duty, HWBF (Vadodara) besides senior scientists, engineers and officials of the DAE.
The Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant has been established to strengthen India’s capability to produce specialised deuterated compounds required for advanced scientific research, strategic applications and frontier technology programmes.
The facility will enable indigenous production of high-purity deuterated solvents and help meet national requirements in this critical field.
The commissioning of the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell marks a significant technological achievement in the indigenous industrial-scale production of nuclear-grade sodium, a key material used in India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme.
Developed through sustained research and engineering efforts, the facility is expected to enhance self-reliance in strategic materials required for the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Department of Atomic Energy said the twin milestones underscore its continued commitment to technological innovation, strategic capability development and self-reliance, while contributing to the broader national goal of building a technologically advanced and developed India.
TNT KS
