World’s Oldest Commercial Nuclear Reactors Keep Humming at Tarapur at Rs 3.31 per Unit
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Tarapur Atomic Power Station, India's first large-scale commercial nuclear plant, continues to operate as the world's oldest commercial reactor while undergoing life extension.
Background
Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) began commercial operations in 1969 and is currently producing electricity at a tariff of Rs 3.31 per unit. It underwent significant safety upgrades following global nuclear accidents and is targeting a life extension until the mid-2040s.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TTarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) is India's first large-scale commercial nuclear power station.
- FactTarapur currently produces electricity at a tariff of Rs 3.31 per unit.
- S&TTAPS was built in 1964 with equipment from General Electric and Bechtel.
- S&TMajor global nuclear accidents including Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011) influenced safety upgrades.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the role of nuclear energy in India's transition towards a low-carbon economy, highlighting the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure and ensuring safety.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- energy security
- safety protocols
- technological indigenization
- decarbonization goals
Keywords: energy security · indigenization · nuclear safety · infrastructure longevity · decarbonization
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.