Nuclear plant. (file photo)
Omprakash Tiwari, Mumbai. India has achieved an important milestone in its nuclear power generation programme. Unit-1 of the country's first nuclear power plant (TAPS) located in Palghar district of Maharashtra has again started producing 160 MW of electricity after renovation.
Thus, India has become the first country in Asia to extend the life of a nuclear power plant with completely indigenous technology. The renovation of 160 MW capacity TAPS-2 will be completed in a few months. TAPS-1 and TAPS-2, commissioned in 1969, were the first nuclear power reactors in Asia outside the former Soviet Union. The story of these two nuclear reactors in the series of nuclear power programs is not just a story of longevity, but also of continuous learning, adaptation and renewal.
TAPS-1 and TAPS-2 will serve again for 15 to 20 years
Generally the lifespan of nuclear power reactors is considered to be 40 to 50 years. After this, most countries de-commission their nuclear power plants. Whereas TAPS-1 and TAPS-2, started in 1969, after serving 57 years in their first tenure, have once again become young and ready to serve for the next 15-20 years due to the hard work, quality and efficiency of Indian scientists and completely Indian technology.
TAPS-1 of 160 MW capacity has been connected to the national grid, and TAPS-2 of the same capacity will be connected to the national grid within a few months.
According to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) officials, both these units were shut down in 2020 for renovation, modernization and aging management activities after more than five decades of safe operation. The renovation of both these plants has been completed under strict regulatory oversight over six years.
What are the main activities?
Major activities included replacing the reactor's recirculation piping with advanced corrosion-resistant materials, 3D laser scanning, refurbishing the turbine-generator system, and improving the electrical systems.
The successful completion of such complex activities in this type of reactor reflects the engineering excellence and strong renovation and modernization capability of NPCIL.
massive production of electricity
Throughout their life, TAPS-1 and TAPS-2 have generated more than 1,00,000 million units of clean electricity, preventing emissions of more than 86 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the environment. The successful completion of these high level, complex and specialized activities has once again confirmed the expertise, maturity and capability of NPACIL.
TAPS-1 and 2 are first generation BWRs (boiling water fired reactors). In these, low enriched uranium is used as coolant and moderator. Both units achieved initial completion on 31 October 1968 and were synchronized with the grid in early 1969.
TAPS-1 began commercial operations on 28 October 1969, with Unit-2 commissioned soon after. Thus, as envisioned by Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha, the father of the Indian nuclear power programme, the Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant with an original capacity of 210 MW per unit firmly established India among the early adopters of nuclear energy and laid the foundation for future indigenous reactor development. Later, due to some technical problems, the capacity of both the reactors was reduced to 160 MW.
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