India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board approved the restart of Unit-2 of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra

¨  India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board approved the restart of Unit-2 of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra on 7 May 2026.

¨     The unit has been cleared for operation for the next 10 years.

¨   The approval was granted after completion of a major refurbishment and safety upgradation programme.

¨     The work was carried out by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.

¨ Tarapur Atomic Power Station is located near Boisar in Palghar district of Maharashtra.

¨     It is one of India’s oldest nuclear power plants.

¨     Unit-1 and Unit-2 of Tarapur were India’s first Boiling Water Reactors.

¨     These units began commercial operations in 1969.

¨     Tarapur Unit-1 received restart approval in December 2025.

¨     It is currently operating at its rated capacity of 160 megawatts.

¨ Several major technical upgrades were carried out under the modernisation programme of Unit-2.

¨     The reactor coolant recirculation piping system was completely replaced.

¨ Advanced corrosion-resistant stainless steel forged piping and fittings were installed.

¨     A reactor containment filtered venting system was added.

¨     An alternate cooling water system was also installed.

¨     These systems are intended to strengthen plant safety and emergency response capability.

¨ The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board reviewed all technical tests, safety inspections and upgrade works during its meeting on 6 May 2026.

¨     After the review, permission was granted for the restart of Unit-2.

¨     AERB will continue monitoring the safety systems and performance of Unit-1 and Unit-2.

¨     The organisation is responsible for ensuring nuclear safety standards in India.

¨     In a Boiling Water Reactor, water is used as both a coolant and a moderator.

¨     Water inside the reactor is heated and converted into steam.

¨     The steam drives turbines to generate electricity.

¨     This technology is widely used in nuclear power plants across the world.