In a major boost to India’s indigenous technological capabilities and strategic materials programme, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP) and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF), Vadodara, on June 21, 2026.
The newly inaugurated facilities are expected to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical materials and technologies, support advanced scientific research, and contribute to the long-term objectives of the country’s nuclear energy programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohanty said, “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. These facilities will strengthen strategic self-reliance, support advanced scientific research and contribute to the long-term objectives of India’s nuclear energy programme. The development of indigenous nuclear-grade sodium production capability is particularly 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 Shri K. N. Vyas, Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and Former Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission. Also present were Shri V. V. S. A. Prasad, Chairman and Chief Executive, Heavy Water Board; Shri K. V. Tale, Director (Operation/Technical), Heavy Water Board; Shri Nitesh Mehta, Officer on Special Duty, HWBF (Vadodara); along with senior officials of the Department of Atomic Energy, scientists, engineers, and employees of the Heavy Water Board.
The Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant has been established to enhance the country’s indigenous capability for producing specialised deuterated compounds required for advanced scientific research, strategic applications, and frontier technological programmes. The facility is designed to meet national requirements in this critical area through the indigenous production of high-purity deuterated solvents.
Meanwhile, the commissioning of the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell marks a significant technological milestone towards the indigenous industrial-scale production of nuclear-grade sodium, a critical material for India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme. Developed through sustained research, engineering expertise, and technological innovation, the facility represents a major step towards achieving self-reliance in strategic materials required for the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
The development aligns with the national vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat and is expected to support the future expansion of India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme.
These achievements underscore the Department of Atomic Energy’s continued commitment to technological self-reliance, innovation, and excellence in strategic sectors. The milestones further contribute to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat through indigenous technological advancement and strategic capability development.
