New Delhi, June 17 (IANS). Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Ajit Kumar Mohanty on Wednesday inaugurated the Primary Coolant Pump Testing Facility at Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) and reviewed the recently approved 10-year life extension of TAPS 1 and 2, the world’s oldest functioning twin reactors.
AEC Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty interacted with scientists, engineers and employees of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and appreciated their dedication towards ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operation of India’s first nuclear power station.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) said, “The continued operation of the world’s oldest functioning nuclear reactors, TAPS Units 1 and 2, is a testament to the dedication of generations of scientists, engineers and operators and the maturity of our regulatory and technical capabilities. The life extension of a decade reflects India’s transition from technology acquisition to technological self-reliance and our commitment to build a sustainable and energy-independent ‘Developed India’. “Inspires confidence in ability.”
TAPS 1 and 2, commissioned in 1969, marked the beginning of commercial nuclear power generation in the country and made Tarapur the first nuclear power station in Asia outside the Soviet Bloc.
Over the last five and a half decades, the 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), NPCIL, said, “Units 1 and 2 of Tarapur Atomic Power Station are a testament to India’s unwavering commitment towards nuclear safety and engineering excellence. Through continuous upgradation, innovation and a strong safety culture, these units have successfully transformed from lead installations to robust assets that support the nation’s clean energy goals.”
The recent approval by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board for the continued operation of TAPS 1 and 2 has been achieved after a comprehensive life-extension and modernization program under stringent regulatory oversight and guided by a strong philosophy that prioritizes safety.
Ajay Kumar Bhole, Site Director, Tarapur, Maharashtra, said, “The successful life extension and modernization of TAPS 1 and 2 reflects NPCIL’s technological maturity and its unwavering focus on safety. The execution of the project with the principle of ‘zero damage’ demonstrates how old nuclear plants can be revitalized to meet the current regulatory and technical requirements.”
The life extension program included comprehensive inspection, renewal, replacement and renovation of critical systems and components, deployment of advanced indigenous technologies for reactor integrity assessment, modernization of power systems and implementation of measures to further enhance long-term operational reliability and safety.
Over the past few years, TAPS 1 and 2 have generated over 100 billion units of clean electricity, significantly contributing to the energy security of the country as well as reducing emissions of over 86 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Ajay Kumar Bhole further said, “As India moves towards the vision of ‘Developed India’, the role of nuclear energy will become increasingly important in providing reliable, round-the-clock and low carbon emission power.”
–IANS
SAK/DKP