New Delhi, June 18: The Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Ajit Kumar Mohanty, inaugurated the primary coolant pump testing facility at the Tarapur Nuclear Power Station (TAPS) on Wednesday. This event also included a review of the recently approved ten-year life extension for the world’s oldest operational twin reactors, TAPS 1 and 2.
During the occasion, Mohanty engaged with scientists, engineers, and staff from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), commending their commitment to ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of India’s first nuclear power station.
In his address, Mohanty stated, “The continuous operation of TAPS Units 1 and 2, the oldest operational nuclear reactors in the world, is a testament to the dedication of generations of scientists, engineers, and operators, as well as the maturity of our regulatory and technical capabilities. A decade of life extension reflects India’s transformation towards technological self-reliance and instills confidence in our ability to build a sustainable and energy-independent ‘Developed India’.”
Launched in 1969, TAPS 1 and 2 marked the beginning of commercial nuclear energy production in India, making Tarapur the first nuclear power station in Asia outside the Soviet bloc.
Over the past five and a half decades, this station has played a fundamental role in shaping India’s nuclear engineering capabilities, operational practices, and safety culture.
V. Rajesh, Chairman and Managing Director (additional charge) of NPCIL, remarked that “the units of Tarapur Nuclear Power Station exemplify India’s unwavering commitment to nuclear safety and engineering excellence. Through continuous upgrades, innovation, and a robust safety culture, these units have successfully transformed into resilient assets that support the nation’s clean energy goals.”
The recent approval for the continued operation of TAPS 1 and 2 by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was granted following a comprehensive life-extension and modernization program, guided by stringent regulatory oversight and a strong safety-first philosophy.
Ajay Kumar Bholé, the site director at Tarapur in Maharashtra, stated, “The successful life extension and modernization of TAPS 1 and 2 reflect NPCIL’s technical maturity and its unwavering focus on safety. The implementation of the ‘zero damage’ principle demonstrates how older nuclear plants can be revitalized to meet current regulatory and technical expectations.”
The life extension program included extensive inspections, renovations, replacements, and refurbishments of critical systems and components, deployment of advanced indigenous technologies for reactor integrity assessment, modernization of electrical systems, and measures to enhance long-term operational reliability and safety.
In recent years, TAPS 1 and 2 have produced over 100 billion units of clean electricity, significantly contributing to the country’s energy security while reducing carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to over 86 million tons.
Bholé further added, “As India progresses towards the vision of a ‘Developed India’, the role of nuclear energy in providing reliable, round-the-clock, and low-carbon electricity will continue to be increasingly vital.”
Leave a Comment