Tarapur Atomic Power Station: Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox power station
{{Infobox power station
|name = Tarapur ←→Atomic Power Station
| name = Tarapur Atomic Power Station (T.A.P.S.)
|image = Glimpses of the Unit III dome and the project site of Tarapur Atomic Power Project (TAPP) near Mumbai.jpg
| image = Glimpses of the Unit III dome and the project site of Tarapur Atomic Power Project (TAPP) near Mumbai.jpg
|image_caption     = Unit 3 of Tarapur Atomic Power Station
| image_caption = Unit 3 and 4 of Tarapur Power Station
| coordinates = {{coord|19|49|44.33|N|72|39|40.34|E|region:IN_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|19|49|44.33|N|72|39|40.34|E|region:IN_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}
| country = India
| country = India
| location = [[Tarapur, Maharashtra|Tarapur]], [[Maharashtra]]
| location = Pophran, [[Tarapur, Maharashtra|Tarapur]], [[Maharashtra]]
| status = Operational
| status = Operational
|operator = [[NPCIL|Nuclear Power Corporation of India]]
| owner = [[NPCIL|Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd]]
|construction_began = 1961
| operator = [[NPCIL|Nuclear Power Corporation of India]]
|commissioned       = 28 October 1969
| construction_began = {{start date and age|1961}}
|decommissioned     =  
| commissioned = {{start date and age|1969|10|28|df=y}}
|np_reactor_type     = Units 1 & 2: [[GE BWR|BWR-1]]<br/>Units 3 & 4: [[IPHWR#IPHWR-540|IPHWR-540]]
| decommissioned =  
|np_reactor_supplier   = Units 1 & 2: [[General Electric|GE]]<br/>Units 3 & 4: [[NPCIL]]
| np_reactors = 4
|ps_cooling_source = [[Arabian Sea]]
| np_reactor_type = Units 1 & 2: [[GE BWR|BWR-1]]<br/>Units 3 & 4: [[IPHWR#IPHWR-540|IPHWR-540]]
|ps_cooling_towers =  
| np_reactor_supplier = Units 1 & 2: [[General Electric|GE]]<br/>Units 3 & 4: [[NPCIL]]
|ps_units_operational = 2 × 160&nbsp;MW <br/> 2 × 540&nbsp;MW
| ps_cooling_source = [[Arabian Sea]]
|ps_units_uc   =  
| ps_cooling_towers =  
|ps_units_decommissioned   =  
| ps_units_operational = 2 × 160&nbsp;MW, 2 × 540&nbsp;MW
|ps_electrical_capacity = <!-- sum of gross reactor power-->1400
| ps_units_uc =  
|ps_annual_generation  = 4,829
| ps_units_decommissioned =  
|ps_electrical_cap_fac = 39.4%<!-- 4,829,000 MWh/year / ( 1400 MW * 365 days/year * 24h/day) = 0.394 -->
| ps_electrical_capacity = 1400
|website             =  
| ps_annual_generation = 7886 [[Kilowatt-hour#Multiples|GW.h]] (2020-21)<ref name="npp_capfactor_2020-21">{{cite web |title=Monthly Genration Reports Actual for Apr-2021 : Central Sector Nuclear |url=https://npp.gov.in/public-reports/cea/monthly/generation/18%20col%20act/2021/MAR//18%20col%20act-10_2021-MAR.pdf |website=National Power Portal |publisher=Central Electricity Authority |access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref>
| ps_electrical_cap_fac = 64.31% (2020-21)<ref name="npp_capfactor_2020-21"/>
| website =  
}}
}}


'''Tarapur Atomic Power Station''' ('''T.A.P.S.''') is located in [[Tarapur, Maharashtra|Tarapur]], [[Palghar]], India. It was the first commercial nuclear power station built in India.<ref>[https://www.iaea.org/pris/ PRIS- Power Reactor Information System]</ref>
'''Tarapur Atomic Power Station''' ('''T.A.P.S.''') is located in [[Tarapur, Maharashtra|Tarapur]], [[Palghar]], India. It was the first commercial [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power station]] built in India.<ref>[https://www.iaea.org/pris/ PRIS- Power Reactor Information System]</ref> It is the fourth largest nuclear power plants in the country. It has 4 [[Nuclear reactor|reactors]], 2 [[GE_BWR#BWR-1|BWR-1]] of 160 MWe each and 2 [[IPHWR]]s of 540 MWe each.
 
The atomic power station has experienced several safety incidents, including radioactive leaks and a major fire,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abreu |first=Robin |date=1995-07-31 |title=Leak at Tarapur atomic-power plant in Maharashtra spills radioactive water |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19950731-leak-at-tarapur-atomic-power-plant-in-maharashtra-spills-radioactive-water-807598-1995-07-30 |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last1=Chougaonkar |first1=A. |title=Electrical fire incidents at Tarapur Atomic Power Station - 1 and 2 and lessons learnt |date=2009 |work=Twenty sixth DAE safety and occupational health professionals meet: cryogenic safety, electrical safety and ergonomics at work place |pages=186–189 |url=https://inis.iaea.org/records/sf3hr-w6766 |access-date=2025-08-13 |language=English |last2=Pisharody |first2=N. N. |last3=Ravindranath |last4=Bhattacharjee |first4=S. |last5=Ramamurty |first5=U.}}</ref> with official documents that "clearly indicate the preponderance of safety concerns even during the days of active Indo-U.S. cooperation with the Tarapur Atomic Power Station project".<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Rethinaraj | first1=T. S. Gopi | title=In the comfort of secrecy | journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists | date=1999 | volume=55 | issue=6 | pages=52–57 | doi=10.2968/055006015 | url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2968/055006015 | url-access=subscription }}</ref>
 
The upgrades and life extension work done on Units 1 and 2 is expected to improve safety and effeciency. The primary recirculation system piping has also been replaced with corrosion resistant piping, extending the operational life of the reactors by at least 10 years.{{fact|date=March 2026}}


==History==
==History==


Tarapur Atomic Power Station was constructed initially with two [[boiling water reactor]] (BWR) units under the 1963 [[123 Agreement]] between India, the [[United States]], and the [[International Atomic Energy Agency|International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)]]. It was built for the [[Department of Atomic Energy]] by [[General Electric|GE]] and [[Bechtel]]. Units 1 and 2 were brought online for commercial operation on 28 October 1969 with an initial power of 210&nbsp;[[Megawatt|MW]] of electricity. Later on this was reduced to 160&nbsp;MW due to technical difficulties.<ref name="NPCIL Active Plants">{{cite web|url=http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/ProjectOperationDisplay.aspx?ReactorID=73|title=Plants Under Operation - Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited|access-date=20 April 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126101727/http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/ProjectOperationDisplay.aspx?ReactorID=73|archive-date=26 January 2011}}</ref> These were the first of their kind in Asia.
Tarapur Atomic Power Station was constructed initially with two [[boiling water reactor]] (BWR) units under the 1963 [[123 Agreement]] between India, the United States, and the [[International Atomic Energy Agency|International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)]]. It was built for the [[Department of Atomic Energy]] by [[General Electric|GE]] and [[Bechtel]]. Units 1 and 2 were brought online for commercial operation on 28 October 1969 with an initial power of 210&nbsp;[[Megawatt|MW]] of electricity. Later on this was reduced to 160&nbsp;MW due to technical difficulties.<ref name="NPCIL Active Plants">{{cite web|url=http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/ProjectOperationDisplay.aspx?ReactorID=73|title=Plants Under Operation - Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited|access-date=20 April 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126101727/http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/ProjectOperationDisplay.aspx?ReactorID=73|archive-date=26 January 2011}}</ref> These were the first of their kind in Asia.


More recently, an additional two [[pressurised heavy water reactor]] (PHWR) units of 540&nbsp;MW each were constructed by [[BHEL]], [[Larsen & Toubro|L&T]] and [[Gammon India]], seven months ahead of schedule and well within the original cost estimates.  Unit 3 was brought online for commercial operation on 18 August 2006, and unit 4 on 12 September 2005.<ref name="NPCIL Active Plants"/>
More recently, an additional two [[pressurised heavy water reactor]] (PHWR) units of 540&nbsp;MW each were constructed by [[BHEL]], [[Larsen & Toubro|L&T]] and [[Gammon India]], seven months ahead of schedule and well within the original cost estimates.  Unit 3 was brought online for commercial operation on 18 August 2006, and unit 4 on 12 September 2005.<ref name="NPCIL Active Plants"/>
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The facility is operated by the NPCIL ([[Nuclear Power Corporation of India]]).
The facility is operated by the NPCIL ([[Nuclear Power Corporation of India]]).


The personnel operating the power plant live in a residential complex called T. A. P. S. colony, {{coord|19.816|72.743|type:landmark_scale:10000_region:IN}} which is a fifteen-minute drive from [[Boisar]], the nearest railway station. The residential complex was also constructed by Bechtel to house both Indian and American employees. Due to this, the residential complex had a very Indian small-town look, with neat sidewalks, spacious houses, a club with tennis courts, swimming pool, a commissary etc. While the original American residents have long gone, the colony continues to thrive.
The personnel operating the power plant live in a residential complex called T. A. P. S. colony, {{coord|19.816|72.743|type:landmark_scale:10000_region:IN}} which is a fifteen-minute drive from [[Boisar]], the nearest railway station. The residential complex was also constructed by Bechtel to house both Indian and American employees. Due to this, the residential complex has a very Indian small-town look, with neat sidewalks, spacious houses, a club with tennis courts, swimming pool, a commissary etc.


In 1974 after India conducted [[Smiling Buddha]], its first [[nuclear weapons test]] the West chose to no longer honour its agreement to supply the plant with [[enriched uranium]]. [[Nuclear fuel]] for TAPS has subsequently been delivered from [[France]], [[China]] and [[Russia]] under [[IAEA safeguards]].<ref name=nti>{{cite web|url= http://www.nti.org/learn/facilities/77/ |title= Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) |work= [[Nuclear Threat Initiative]] |date= 2003-09-01 |access-date= 2017-02-18}}</ref>
In 1974 after India conducted its first [[nuclear weapons test]], called the [[Smiling Buddha]], the West chose to no longer honour its agreement to supply the plant with [[enriched uranium]]. [[Nuclear fuel]] for TAPS has subsequently been delivered from France, China and Russia under [[IAEA safeguards]].<ref name=nti>{{cite web|url= http://www.nti.org/learn/facilities/77/ |title= Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) |work= [[Nuclear Threat Initiative]] |date= 2003-09-01 |access-date= 2017-02-18}}</ref>


The residential colony now features 3 central schools run under [[Atomic Energy Education Society]] (AEES). The local beach at [[Chinchani]] is approximately {{convert|7|km|mi}} from the colony.
The residential colony features 3 central schools namely - Atomic Energy Central School No. 1 (AECS-1), Atomic Energy Central School No. 2 (AECS-2) and Atomic Energy Central School No. 3 (AECS-3), all running under [[Atomic Energy Education Society]] (AEES).  
The local beach at [[Chinchani]] is approximately {{convert|7|km|mi}} from the colony.
 
After the 2020 incident at TAPS 1, both unit 1 and 2 were offline,  undergoing refurbishment and maintenance activities for life extension. The reactor safety and control systems were upgraded along with replacement of the primary recirculation system of the BWR units. Unit 1 returned to working order and was synchronised with the grid in February 2026 after achieving criticality on 30 December 2025. Unit 2 is expected to follow shortly. This refurbishment will increase the life of the units by at least ten years.<ref>Tarapur 1 returns to service after refurbishment - World Nuclear News https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tarapur-1-returns-to-service-after-refurbishment</ref>


== Units ==
== Units ==
{| class="wikitable"
{{mw-datatable}}
! Unit !! Type !! Gross MW !! Construction start !! Operation start !! Notes
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-datatable"
! rowspan="2" |Phase
! rowspan="2" |Unit<br/>No.
! colspan="2" |Reactor
! rowspan="2" |Status
! colspan="2" |Capacity in MWe
! rowspan="2" |Construction start
! rowspan="2" |First [[Criticality (status)|criticality]]
! rowspan="2" |Grid Connection
! rowspan="2" |Commercial operation
! rowspan="2" |Closure
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
|-
|colspan="6" align="center"| Phase I
! Type ||Model ||Net ||Gross
|-
|-
| Tarapur 1 || [[GE BWR|BWR-1]] || 160 || 1 October 1964 || 28 October 1969
| rowspan="2"| I || 1 || [[Boiling water reactor|BWR]] || [[GE BWR|BWR-1]] || {{yes|Operational}} || 150 || 160 || 1 October 1964 || 1 February 1969 || 1 April 1969 || 28 October 1969 || {{N/A}} || First commercial nuclear power reactors in India
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=285 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-1 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= Power Reactor Information System |publisher= [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=285 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-1 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= Power Reactor Information System |publisher= [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
|-
|-
| Tarapur 2 || [[GE BWR|BWR-1]] || 160 || 1 October 1964 || 28 October 1969
| 2 || [[Boiling water reactor|BWR]] || [[GE BWR|BWR-1]] || {{yes2|Operation suspended<br/><small>(under maintenance)</small>}} || 150 || 160 || 1 October 1964 || 28 February 1969 || 5 May 1969 || 28 October 1969 || {{N/A}} || First commercial nuclear power reactors in India
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=296 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-2 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= PRIS |publisher= (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=296 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-2 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= PRIS |publisher= (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
|-
|-
|colspan="6" align="center"| Phase II
| rowspan="2"| II || 3  || [[Pressurized heavy-water reactor|PHWR]]  || [[IPHWR]]-540 || {{yes|Operational}} || 490 || 540 || 12 May 2000 || 21 May 2006 || 15 June 2006 || 18 August 2006 || {{N/A}}
|-
| Tarapur 3 || IPHWR-540 || 540 || 12 May 2000 || 18 August 2006
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=300 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-3 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= PRIS |publisher= (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=300 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-3 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= PRIS |publisher= (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
|-
|-
| Tarapur 4 || IPHWR-540 || 540 || 8 March 2000 || 12 September 2005
| 4 || [[Pressurized heavy-water reactor|PHWR]] || [[IPHWR]]-540 || {{yes|Operational}} || 490 || 540 || 8 March 2000 || 6 March 2005 || 4 June 2005 || 12 September 2005 || {{N/A}}
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=301 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-4 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= PRIS |publisher= (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web | url= https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=301 | title= Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-4 |date= 11 February 2020 |work= PRIS |publisher= (IAEA) | access-date= 11 February 2020 }}</ref>
|}
|}


==Incidents==
==Incidents==
During the maintenance of TAPS-1, a blast occurred which damaged the chimney. TAPS-2 was subsequently shut down to avoid any potential issues, completely shutting down the power generation capability of Phase-1 of TAPS in January 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/blast-in-palghars-tarapur-atomic-power-station/articleshow/73733525.cms|title=No power generation at Tarapur phase I plant after blas cause damage to chimney|publisher=MumbaiMirror|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref>
In 1980s, the [[Boiling water reactor|BWR]] units faced extreme technical issues and difficulties. This led to repeated shutdowns. Finally in 1989, the gross capacity of the units was reduced to 160 MWe from the original 210 MWe to eliminate the issues.<ref name="NPCIL Active Plants"/>
 
In 1995, a radioactive water leak was reported from the atomic power station.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abreu |first=Robin |date=1995-07-31 |title=Leak at Tarapur atomic-power plant in Maharashtra spills radioactive water |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19950731-leak-at-tarapur-atomic-power-plant-in-maharashtra-spills-radioactive-water-807598-1995-07-30 |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
 
In March 2018, a reported boiler explosion at Tarapur Atomic Power Station caused fires and explosions, killing three people and injuring at least 12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Many injured and two firemen down in Mumbai explosion and fire {{!}} CTIF - International Association of Fire Services for Safer Citizens through Skilled Firefighters |url=https://ctif.org/news/many-injured-and-two-firemen-down-mumbai-explosion-and-fire |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=ctif.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-09 |title=Mumbai: Boiler explosion at Palghar's Tarapur Atomic Power Station kills three, injures 12; toll may rise, says police |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/mumbai-boiler-explosion-at-palghars-tarapur-atomic-power-station-kills-three-injures-12-toll-may-rise-says-police-4383077.html |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-10 |title=Maharashtra fire: Three die as chemical reactor explodes at industrial unit in Tarapur |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/city-others/page-one-anchor-three-die-as-chemical-reactor-explodes-at-industrial-unit-in-tarapur-5092605/ |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
 
During maintenance of Tarapur-1, a blast occurred which damaged the chimney. Tarapur-2 was subsequently shut down to avoid any potential issues, completely shutting down the power generation capability of Phase-1 of TAPS in January 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/blast-in-palghars-tarapur-atomic-power-station/articleshow/73733525.cms|title=No power generation at Tarapur phase I plant after blast cause damage to chimney |publisher= [[Mumbai Mirror]] |date= 29 January 2020 |access-date= 1 September 2021}}</ref>
 
==Current status==
[[File:Tarapur Atomic Power Station units 1 & 2.jpg|thumb|Tarapur Atomic Power Station units 1 & 2 published image in a newspaper
(credits:Indian Express group (p) Ltd.)]]
T.A.P.S.-1 & 2 were shut down in 2020 following the explosion at T.A.P.S.-1. Later cracks were found in the primary recirculation system in both units. Restart of the two units was planned for Nov. 2024 after replacement of the damaged parts. This will increase the operational life of the older BWR units by an additional 10 years. The parts are to be delivered from Italy says plant director Mulkalwar. As of June 2025, the reactors remained defunct. T.A.P.S.-3 & 4 are currently operational.<ref>https://www.deccanherald.com/india/closed-since-2020-tarapur-nuclear-reactors-suffer-another-delay-to-resumption-of-ops-3016666</ref>
 
On 16 February 2025, the chairman of the Adani group, [[Gautam Adani]] paid a visit to the plant seeking information about its history and working along with officials from adani power and adani green. In the wake of the budget 2025, and proposed changes in the nuclear liability act, and opening the nuclear power sector for private companies, this visit has attained significance.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/business/gautam-adani-visits-tarapur-maharashtra-site-briefed-on-nuclear-energy-sector/article69231338.ece</ref>
 
On 30 December 2025, Tarapur unit 1 achieved [[Criticality (status)|criticality]] after almost 6 years of life extension work. It's expected to begin production in early 2026.
 
According to a news article published in a local newspaper, the first unit was connected to the national grid for the first time in 6 years on 29 January 2026, but was disconnected shortly, following smoke from some turbine lubrication system. "The system is under repair, and the unit will shortly resume operations." the plant director told the press. Unit 2 is expected to follow unit one, by the mid of 2026.{{cn|date=February 2026}}
 
In February 2026, Unit 1 was successfully synchronised with the grid and is now fully operational.<ref>Tarapur 1 returns to service after refurbishment - World Nuclear News https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tarapur-1-returns-to-service-after-refurbishment</ref>
 
==Proposed reactors ==
As a part of India's 3 stage nuclear power program, the design oh the [[Advanced heavy water reactor]] 300 Prototype is planned for the site. Though no ground development has taken place, mainly due to delay in design at the [[Bhabha Atomic Research Centre]].{{cn|date=October 2025}}
 
The lead units of the BSMR-200, SMR-55, and the HTGR of 5 MW are being planned to be set up at Tarapur and Vizag.<ref>"Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh proposed for first Indian SMRs - World Nuclear News" https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/maharashtra-and-andhra-pradesh-proposed-for-first-indian-smrs</ref>


==Safety concerns==
==Safety concerns==
The Boiling water reactors (BWRs) at Tarapur 1 and 2 units are similar to the reactors involved in the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]]. The reactors' age and old design have raised safety concerns and according to one local leader, the two reactors had in 2011 already been in operation for 16 years more than their design lives.<ref name=BBC1>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-13205060|title=Fears rise in India of Fukushima-style nuclear disaster|work=[[BBC News]]|first= Julian |last= O'Halloran |date= 2011-04-27 |access-date=20 April 2015}}</ref>
The Boiling water reactors ([[GE BWR#BWR-1|GE BWR-1]]) at Tarapur 1 and 2 units are earlier designs of the reactors involved in the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]]. The Fukushima reactors are later designs: [[GE BWR#BWR-3|BWR-3]], [[GE BWR#BWR-4|BWR-4]], and [[GE BWR#BWR-5|BWR-5]]. The age of the reactors, coupled with their old design, have raised safety concerns and, according to one local leader in 2011, the reactors had already been in operation for 16 years longer than their design lives.<ref name=BBC1>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-13205060|title=Fears rise in India of Fukushima-style nuclear disaster|work=[[BBC News]]|first= Julian |last= O'Halloran |date= 2011-04-27 |access-date=20 April 2015}}</ref> The reactors' power level was reduced from 210 MW to 160 MW, allowing for an increased life span.<ref name="NPCIL Active Plants"/>
 
In 2007, [[Atomic Energy Regulatory Board|Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)]] evaluated seismic safety features at Tarapur 1 and 2 and reported many shortfalls, following which NPCIL installed seismic sensors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-19/news/29447150_1_aerb-department-of-atomic-energy-atomic-energy-regulatory-board|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509210548/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-19/news/29447150_1_aerb-department-of-atomic-energy-atomic-energy-regulatory-board|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 May 2012|title=Atomic Energy Regulatory Board not quite subatomic|work=timesofindia-economictimes|access-date=20 April 2015}}</ref> In 2011, AERB formed a 10-member committee, consisting of experts from [[Indian Institutes of Technology|Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)]] and [[India Meteorological Department|India Meteorological Department (IMD)]], to assess the vulnerability of the Tarapur to earthquakes and tsunamis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/aerb-committee-forms-subgroup-to-carry-tarapur-plant-audit/651393.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421003721/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/aerb-committee-forms-subgroup-to-carry-tarapur-plant-audit/651393.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 April 2011|title=AERB committee forms sub-group to carry Tarapur plant audit|access-date=20 April 2015}}</ref> A. Gopalakrishnan, former director of AERB, said that since Tarapur's reactors are much older than the Fukushima units, they should be immediately decommissioned.<ref>[http://expressbuzz.com/cities/hyderabad/doubts-raised-on-tarapur-nuclear-plant%E2%80%99s-safety/265212.html Doubts raised on Tarapur nuclear plant’s safety] {{Dead link|date=April 2015}}</ref>
 
But the reactors were planned for restart in November 2024 after replacement of parts in the primary recirculation system. The units are planned to operate for another ten years. The cost per [[KWh]] may increase slightly. AERB has assessed the units thoroughly and has said that they can operate up to 60 effective full power years (EFPY)s while they have operated for only around 20 EFPYs. As of June 2025, the reactors remained defunct.{{cn|date=September 2025}}
30 December 2025 saw unit 1 achieve criticality after being shut down from 2020. It was briefly connected to the national grid on 29 January 2026, but was disconnected soon, when a fault was detected in the turbine.


In 2007, [[Atomic Energy Regulatory Board|Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)]] evaluated seismic safety features at Tarapur 1 and 2 and reported many shortfalls, following which NPCIL installed seismic sensors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-19/news/29447150_1_aerb-department-of-atomic-energy-atomic-energy-regulatory-board|title=Atomic Energy Regulatory Board not quite subatomic|work=timesofindia-economictimes|access-date=20 April 2015}}</ref> In 2011, AERB formed a 10-member committee, consisting of experts from [[Indian Institutes of Technology|Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)]] and [[India Meteorological Department|India Meteorological Department (IMD)]], to assess the vulnerability of the Tarapur to earthquakes and tsunamis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/aerb-committee-forms-subgroup-to-carry-tarapur-plant-audit/651393.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421003721/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/aerb-committee-forms-subgroup-to-carry-tarapur-plant-audit/651393.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 April 2011|title=AERB committee forms sub-group to carry Tarapur plant audit|access-date=20 April 2015}}</ref> A. Gopalakrishnan, former director of AERB, said that Tarapur 1 and 2 reactors are much older than the reactors involved in the Fukushima nuclear accident and argued that they should be immediately decommissioned.<ref>[http://expressbuzz.com/cities/hyderabad/doubts-raised-on-tarapur-nuclear-plant%E2%80%99s-safety/265212.html Doubts raised on Tarapur nuclear plant’s safety] {{Dead link|date=April 2015}}</ref>
In February 2026, Unit 1 returned to service after a six year long refurbishment, with improved safety and efficiency.<ref>Tarapur 1 returns to service after refurbishment - World Nuclear News https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tarapur-1-returns-to-service-after-refurbishment</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Commons category|Tarapur Atomic Power Station}}
{{Commons category|Tarapur Atomic Power Station}}
* [[Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility]]
* [[Nuclear power in India]]
* [[Nuclear power in India]]
* [[Template:India nuke plant map]]
* [[List of commercial nuclear reactors#India|List of Indian Nuclear Reactors]]
* [[List of nuclear reactors#India|List of Indian Nuclear Reactors]]
* [[Template:India nuke plant map|Map showing nuclear plants in India]]
 
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[[Category:Nuclear power stations in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Nuclear power stations in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Nuclear power stations using boiling water reactors]]
[[Category:Nuclear power stations using boiling water reactors]]
[[Category:Heavy water reactors]]
[[Category:Heavy-water reactors]]
[[Category:Palghar district]]
[[Category:Palghar district]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Maharashtra]]

Latest revision as of 04:46, 7 March 2026


Tarapur Atomic Power Station (T.A.P.S.)
Unit 3 and 4 of Tarapur Power Station
Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 197: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
CountryIndia
LocationPophran, Tarapur, Maharashtra
Coordinates19°49′44.33″N 72°39′40.34″E / 19.8289806°N 72.6612056°E / 19.8289806; 72.6612056
StatusOperational
Construction began1961; 65 years ago (1961)
Commission date28 October 1969; 56 years ago (1969-10-28)
Owner(s)Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd
Operator(s)Nuclear Power Corporation of India
Nuclear power station
Reactors4
Reactor typeUnits 1 & 2: BWR-1
Units 3 & 4: IPHWR-540
Reactor supplierUnits 1 & 2: GE
Units 3 & 4: NPCIL
Cooling sourceArabian Sea
Power generation
Script error: No such module "Infobox power station".
Nameplate capacity1400 MW
Capacity factor64.31% (2020-21)[1]
Annual net output7886 GW.h (2020-21)[1]
[[[d:Lua error in Module:WikidataIB at line 2612: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).|edit on Wikidata]]]

Tarapur Atomic Power Station (T.A.P.S.) is located in Tarapur, Palghar, India. It was the first commercial nuclear power station built in India.[2] It is the fourth largest nuclear power plants in the country. It has 4 reactors, 2 BWR-1 of 160 MWe each and 2 IPHWRs of 540 MWe each.

The atomic power station has experienced several safety incidents, including radioactive leaks and a major fire,[3][4] with official documents that "clearly indicate the preponderance of safety concerns even during the days of active Indo-U.S. cooperation with the Tarapur Atomic Power Station project".[5]

The upgrades and life extension work done on Units 1 and 2 is expected to improve safety and effeciency. The primary recirculation system piping has also been replaced with corrosion resistant piping, extending the operational life of the reactors by at least 10 years.[citation needed]

History[edit | edit source]

Tarapur Atomic Power Station was constructed initially with two boiling water reactor (BWR) units under the 1963 123 Agreement between India, the United States, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It was built for the Department of Atomic Energy by GE and Bechtel. Units 1 and 2 were brought online for commercial operation on 28 October 1969 with an initial power of 210 MW of electricity. Later on this was reduced to 160 MW due to technical difficulties.[6] These were the first of their kind in Asia.

More recently, an additional two pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) units of 540 MW each were constructed by BHEL, L&T and Gammon India, seven months ahead of schedule and well within the original cost estimates. Unit 3 was brought online for commercial operation on 18 August 2006, and unit 4 on 12 September 2005.[6]

The facility is operated by the NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India).

The personnel operating the power plant live in a residential complex called T. A. P. S. colony, 19°48′58″N 72°44′35″E / 19.816°N 72.743°E / 19.816; 72.743 which is a fifteen-minute drive from Boisar, the nearest railway station. The residential complex was also constructed by Bechtel to house both Indian and American employees. Due to this, the residential complex has a very Indian small-town look, with neat sidewalks, spacious houses, a club with tennis courts, swimming pool, a commissary etc.

In 1974 after India conducted its first nuclear weapons test, called the Smiling Buddha, the West chose to no longer honour its agreement to supply the plant with enriched uranium. Nuclear fuel for TAPS has subsequently been delivered from France, China and Russia under IAEA safeguards.[7]

The residential colony features 3 central schools namely - Atomic Energy Central School No. 1 (AECS-1), Atomic Energy Central School No. 2 (AECS-2) and Atomic Energy Central School No. 3 (AECS-3), all running under Atomic Energy Education Society (AEES). The local beach at Chinchani is approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from the colony.

After the 2020 incident at TAPS 1, both unit 1 and 2 were offline, undergoing refurbishment and maintenance activities for life extension. The reactor safety and control systems were upgraded along with replacement of the primary recirculation system of the BWR units. Unit 1 returned to working order and was synchronised with the grid in February 2026 after achieving criticality on 30 December 2025. Unit 2 is expected to follow shortly. This refurbishment will increase the life of the units by at least ten years.[8]

Units[edit | edit source]

Template:Mw-datatable

Phase Unit
No. 		Reactor Status Capacity in MWe Construction start First criticality Grid Connection Commercial operation Closure Notes
Type Model Net Gross
I 1 BWR BWR-1 Operational 150 160 1 October 1964 1 February 1969 1 April 1969 28 October 1969 N/A First commercial nuclear power reactors in India [9]
2 BWR BWR-1 Operation suspended
(under maintenance)		 150 160 1 October 1964 28 February 1969 5 May 1969 28 October 1969 N/A First commercial nuclear power reactors in India [10]
II 3 PHWR IPHWR-540 Operational 490 540 12 May 2000 21 May 2006 15 June 2006 18 August 2006 N/A [11]
4 PHWR IPHWR-540 Operational 490 540 8 March 2000 6 March 2005 4 June 2005 12 September 2005 N/A [12]

Incidents[edit | edit source]

In 1980s, the BWR units faced extreme technical issues and difficulties. This led to repeated shutdowns. Finally in 1989, the gross capacity of the units was reduced to 160 MWe from the original 210 MWe to eliminate the issues.[6]

In 1995, a radioactive water leak was reported from the atomic power station.[13]

In March 2018, a reported boiler explosion at Tarapur Atomic Power Station caused fires and explosions, killing three people and injuring at least 12.[14][15][16]

During maintenance of Tarapur-1, a blast occurred which damaged the chimney. Tarapur-2 was subsequently shut down to avoid any potential issues, completely shutting down the power generation capability of Phase-1 of TAPS in January 2020.[17]

Current status[edit | edit source]

Tarapur Atomic Power Station units 1 & 2 published image in a newspaper (credits:Indian Express group (p) Ltd.)

T.A.P.S.-1 & 2 were shut down in 2020 following the explosion at T.A.P.S.-1. Later cracks were found in the primary recirculation system in both units. Restart of the two units was planned for Nov. 2024 after replacement of the damaged parts. This will increase the operational life of the older BWR units by an additional 10 years. The parts are to be delivered from Italy says plant director Mulkalwar. As of June 2025, the reactors remained defunct. T.A.P.S.-3 & 4 are currently operational.[18]

On 16 February 2025, the chairman of the Adani group, Gautam Adani paid a visit to the plant seeking information about its history and working along with officials from adani power and adani green. In the wake of the budget 2025, and proposed changes in the nuclear liability act, and opening the nuclear power sector for private companies, this visit has attained significance.[19]

On 30 December 2025, Tarapur unit 1 achieved criticality after almost 6 years of life extension work. It's expected to begin production in early 2026.

According to a news article published in a local newspaper, the first unit was connected to the national grid for the first time in 6 years on 29 January 2026, but was disconnected shortly, following smoke from some turbine lubrication system. "The system is under repair, and the unit will shortly resume operations." the plant director told the press. Unit 2 is expected to follow unit one, by the mid of 2026.[citation needed]

In February 2026, Unit 1 was successfully synchronised with the grid and is now fully operational.[20]

Proposed reactors[edit | edit source]

As a part of India's 3 stage nuclear power program, the design oh the Advanced heavy water reactor 300 Prototype is planned for the site. Though no ground development has taken place, mainly due to delay in design at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.[citation needed]

The lead units of the BSMR-200, SMR-55, and the HTGR of 5 MW are being planned to be set up at Tarapur and Vizag.[21]

Safety concerns[edit | edit source]

The Boiling water reactors (GE BWR-1) at Tarapur 1 and 2 units are earlier designs of the reactors involved in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The Fukushima reactors are later designs: BWR-3, BWR-4, and BWR-5. The age of the reactors, coupled with their old design, have raised safety concerns and, according to one local leader in 2011, the reactors had already been in operation for 16 years longer than their design lives.[22] The reactors' power level was reduced from 210 MW to 160 MW, allowing for an increased life span.[6]

In 2007, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) evaluated seismic safety features at Tarapur 1 and 2 and reported many shortfalls, following which NPCIL installed seismic sensors.[23] In 2011, AERB formed a 10-member committee, consisting of experts from Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and India Meteorological Department (IMD), to assess the vulnerability of the Tarapur to earthquakes and tsunamis.[24] A. Gopalakrishnan, former director of AERB, said that since Tarapur's reactors are much older than the Fukushima units, they should be immediately decommissioned.[25]

But the reactors were planned for restart in November 2024 after replacement of parts in the primary recirculation system. The units are planned to operate for another ten years. The cost per KWh may increase slightly. AERB has assessed the units thoroughly and has said that they can operate up to 60 effective full power years (EFPY)s while they have operated for only around 20 EFPYs. As of June 2025, the reactors remained defunct.[citation needed] 30 December 2025 saw unit 1 achieve criticality after being shut down from 2020. It was briefly connected to the national grid on 29 January 2026, but was disconnected soon, when a fault was detected in the turbine.

In February 2026, Unit 1 returned to service after a six year long refurbishment, with improved safety and efficiency.[26]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Monthly Genration Reports Actual for Apr-2021 : Central Sector Nuclear" (PDF). National Power Portal. Central Electricity Authority. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  2. ↑ PRIS- Power Reactor Information System
  3. ↑ Abreu, Robin (31 July 1995). "Leak at Tarapur atomic-power plant in Maharashtra spills radioactive water". India Today. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  4. ↑ Chougaonkar, A.; Pisharody, N. N.; Ravindranath; Bhattacharjee, S.; Ramamurty, U. (2009), "Electrical fire incidents at Tarapur Atomic Power Station - 1 and 2 and lessons learnt", Twenty sixth DAE safety and occupational health professionals meet: cryogenic safety, electrical safety and ergonomics at work place, pp. 186–189, retrieved 13 August 2025
  5. ↑ Rethinaraj, T. S. Gopi (1999). "In the comfort of secrecy". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. 55 (6): 52–57. doi:10.2968/055006015.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Plants Under Operation - Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited". Archived from the original on 26 January 2011. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
  7. ↑ "Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS)". Nuclear Threat Initiative. 1 September 2003. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  8. ↑ Tarapur 1 returns to service after refurbishment - World Nuclear News https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tarapur-1-returns-to-service-after-refurbishment
  9. ↑ "Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-1". Power Reactor Information System. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 11 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  10. ↑ "Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-2". PRIS. (IAEA). 11 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  11. ↑ "Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-3". PRIS. (IAEA). 11 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  12. ↑ "Nuclear Power Reactor Details - TARAPUR-4". PRIS. (IAEA). 11 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  13. ↑ Abreu, Robin (31 July 1995). "Leak at Tarapur atomic-power plant in Maharashtra spills radioactive water". India Today. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  14. ↑ "Many injured and two firemen down in Mumbai explosion and fire | CTIF - International Association of Fire Services for Safer Citizens through Skilled Firefighters". ctif.org. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  15. ↑ "Mumbai: Boiler explosion at Palghar's Tarapur Atomic Power Station kills three, injures 12; toll may rise, says police". Firstpost. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  16. ↑ "Maharashtra fire: Three die as chemical reactor explodes at industrial unit in Tarapur". The Indian Express. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  17. ↑ "No power generation at Tarapur phase I plant after blast cause damage to chimney". Mumbai Mirror. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  18. ↑ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/closed-since-2020-tarapur-nuclear-reactors-suffer-another-delay-to-resumption-of-ops-3016666
  19. ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/business/gautam-adani-visits-tarapur-maharashtra-site-briefed-on-nuclear-energy-sector/article69231338.ece
  20. ↑ Tarapur 1 returns to service after refurbishment - World Nuclear News https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tarapur-1-returns-to-service-after-refurbishment
  21. ↑ "Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh proposed for first Indian SMRs - World Nuclear News" https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/maharashtra-and-andhra-pradesh-proposed-for-first-indian-smrs
  22. ↑ O'Halloran, Julian (27 April 2011). "Fears rise in India of Fukushima-style nuclear disaster". BBC News. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
  23. ↑ "Atomic Energy Regulatory Board not quite subatomic". timesofindia-economictimes. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
  24. ↑ "AERB committee forms sub-group to carry Tarapur plant audit". Archived from the original on 21 April 2011. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
  25. ↑ Doubts raised on Tarapur nuclear plant’s safety [dead link]
  26. ↑ Tarapur 1 returns to service after refurbishment - World Nuclear News https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tarapur-1-returns-to-service-after-refurbishment
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