India’s First Nuclear Power Plant Gets New Life with Indigenous Technology
On February 18, India achieved a major milestone in its nuclear energy program as the refurbishment of Unit-1 of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) was successfully completed using fully indigenous technology.
Located in Palghar district of Maharashtra, Tarapur Unit-1 has resumed generating 160 megawatts of electricity after renovation. This achievement is significant because India has become the first country in Asia to extend the life of an old nuclear reactor entirely through domestic technology.
Unit-2 to Be Connected Soon
Officials associated with the project stated that refurbishment work of Unit-2 is in its final stage and will soon be connected to the national power grid. The plant is operated by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
The unit was shut down in 2020 for renovation and modernization works.
Advanced Technology Extends Reactor Life
The refurbishment process took six years to complete. TAPS-1 and TAPS-2 were originally commissioned in 1969 and are among Asia’s earliest nuclear reactors.
Typically, nuclear reactors have a lifespan of 40-50 years. However, Indian scientists successfully extended the operational life of these reactors through:
- Advanced engineering techniques
- New piping systems
- Upgraded turbine-generator systems
- Modern digital monitoring systems
Experts believe this development will strengthen India’s self-reliance in clean energy and reduce dependence on coal-based power generation.
Enhanced Safety with 3D Laser Scanning
During the modernization process, several advanced safety upgrades were implemented, including:
- 3D laser scanning technology
- Use of corrosion-resistant materials
- Installation of new safety systems
- Modernization of the control room
In its previous operational period, the plant significantly contributed to reducing carbon emissions by generating clean electricity.
Strengthening India’s Energy Security
The revival of Tarapur Atomic Power Station is being viewed as a major milestone in India’s nuclear engineering capabilities and long-term energy security strategy.
Experts suggest that this success will pave the way for future refurbishment of aging nuclear reactors across the country.