**Executive Summary**
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) authorized the restart and continued operation of Unit 2 at the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) on May 7, 2026, following a major refurbishment by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Based on multi-tiered safety reviews and successful technical upgrades, the AERB has permitted the unit to operate for an additional 10 years. This follows the successful refurbishment of Unit 1, which returned to operation in December 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Refurbishment and Technical Upgrades**
* Complete replacement of reactor coolant recirculation piping with forged piping and fittings made of advanced corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel.
* Commissioning of a Reactor Containment Filtered Venting System (CFVS).
* Installation of an Alternate Cooling Water System (ACWS).
* Inspection of critical reactor components, including reactor pressure vessel welds, to assess ageing status and residual life.
**Regulatory Approval Process**
* The AERB conducted a multi-tiered safety review process to evaluate the results of refurbishments and safety upgrades.
* On May 6, 2026, the Board of AERB took cognizance of all inspections and assessments to permit the restart.
* Official permission for the restart of TAPS Unit 2 was issued on May 7, 2026.
**Operational Context and History**
* TAPS Units 1 and 2 are India’s first nuclear power reactors (Boiling Water Reactor design), commissioned in 1969.
* TAPS Unit 1 underwent a similar refurbishment and was permitted to restart in late December 2025, currently operating at its rated power of 160 MWe.
* Evaluations confirm that the units can continue safe operation through normal maintenance and surveillance programs.
**Impact Analysis**
**Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)**
**Impact**
As the operator, NPCIL has successfully completed the refurbishment of the aging Unit 2, securing a 10-year extension for its commercial operation.
**Action Required**
NPCIL must implement a normal maintenance and surveillance programme to ensure continued safe operation as per the evaluation findings.
**Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)**
**Impact**
The regulator has completed a comprehensive safety assessment and issued the necessary permissions for the facility’s life extension.
**Action Required**
AERB must continue to maintain regulatory oversight and monitor the safety performance of both TAPS Units 1 and 2.
**Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) Unit 2**
**Impact**
The unit has been modernized with corrosion-resistant materials and new safety systems (CFVS and ACWS), extending its functional life beyond its original 1969 commissioning standards.
**Action Required**
The unit must operate within the parameters of the newly commissioned safety systems and undergo the prescribed monitoring.
Key Entities Referenced
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): The regulatory body responsible for nuclear safety oversight in India, which granted permission for the restart and continued operation of TAPS Unit 2.
Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS): India's first commercial nuclear power plant located in Maharashtra, specifically Unit 2, which was approved for a further 10 years of operation following refurbishment.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL): The entity that executed the major refurbishment work, including the replacement of reactor coolant recirculation piping and commissioning of safety upgrades at TAPS.
Department of Atomic Energy: The primary government department overseeing India's nuclear energy sector and the administrative authority for the organizations involved in the plant's operation.
Department of Atomic Energy
AERB approves restart and continued operation
of Unit 2 of Tarapur Atomic Power Station after
major refurbishment
Posted On: 11 MAY 2026 5:54PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, 11 May 2026
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has approved the restart and continued operation of Unit 2 of
Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) on May 07, 2026 following the successful completion of a major
refurbishment work undertaken by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
TAPS Units 1 and 2, India’s first nuclear power reactors based on the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
design, commenced commercial operation in 1969. The refurbishment included complete replacement of
reactor coolant recirculation piping with forged piping and fittings made of advanced corrosion-resistant
Stainless Steel. The other safety upgrades included commissioning of Reactor Containment Filtered
Venting System (CFVS), the Alternate Cooling Water System (ACWS), etc. Further, during the ongoing
outage, inspection of critical reactor components such as the reactor pressure vessel welds, were carried
out towards assessment of ageing status and residual life assessment. The evaluations have shown that the
reactor can continue safe operation with the normal maintenance and surveillance programme.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board reviewed the results of the refurbishment, safety upgrades and
inspection related assessments of TAPS unit-2 through its multi-tiered safety review process. The Board of
AERB on May 6, 2026, after taking cognizance of the refurbishment, safety upgrades, inspections and
assessments as well as the detailed reviews conducted by AERB, agreed to permit restart of the unit and
operation for a further period of 10 years. AERB issued the permission for restart of TAPS Unit – 2 on
May 7, 2026.
AERB will continue to maintain its regulatory oversight and monitor the safety performance of TAPS
Units 1 & 2. Earlier, TAPS Unit – 1 underwent a similar refurbishment and reviews, after which the Board
permitted its restart in the end of December 2025. This unit is currently operational at its rated power of
160 MWe. Units 1& 2 of Tarapur Atomic Power Station are Asia’s first commercial nuclear power plant
units, commissioned in 1969. The plant is located at Tarapur near Boisar, Palghar District in
Maharashtra.
PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/ Priti Malandkar
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