DAE opens deuterated compounds plant and commissions prototype sodium cell at HWBF Vadodara
DAE Secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated compounds Production Plant and commissioned a 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at Heavy Water Board Facilities, Vadodara, on 21 June 2026.
Summary
Department of Atomic Energy Secretary and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty inaugurated the indigenous Versatile Deuterated compounds Production Plant (VDPP) and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF), Vadodara, on 21 June 2026. The VDPP strengthens indigenous production of specialised deuterated compounds for research and strategic uses, while the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell is a step towards industrial-scale nuclear-grade sodium for India's Fast Breeder Reactor Programme. The Heavy Water Board's website states that HWBF Vadodara is located in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 21 June 2026, HWBF Vadodara, Gujarat
- Inaugurated by
- Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC
- VDPP
- Versatile Deuterated compounds Production Plant
- Sodium cell
- 24 kA prototype, for nuclear-grade sodium
- Purpose
- Fast Breeder Reactor Programme; three-stage nuclear programme
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell commissioned at HWBF Vadodara on 21 June 2026 supports indigenous production of nuclear-grade sodium for which programme?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Fast Breeder Reactor Programme
The cell is a milestone towards industrial-scale nuclear-grade sodium for India's Fast Breeder Reactor Programme.
What does 'VDPP', inaugurated at HWBF Vadodara on 21 June 2026, stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Versatile Deuterated compounds Production Plant
VDPP is the Versatile Deuterated compounds Production Plant, for specialised deuterated compounds used in research and strategic applications.
Who inaugurated the VDPP and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at HWBF Vadodara on 21 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ajit Kumar Mohanty
DAE Secretary and AEC Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty performed both; K. N. Vyas attended, and V. V. S. A. Prasad is Chairman, Heavy Water Board.