SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF KEY TERMS
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR): A type of nuclear reactor where water boils to make steam. The same water works as both a coolant (to remove heat) and a moderator (to control the nuclear reaction).
MWe: Stands for megawatt electric. It measures how much electrical power a plant produces. 160 MWe means the plant can power about 160,000 homes at the same time.
FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Q1: When did AERB approve the restart of Tarapur Unit-2?
A: On 7 May 2026.
Q2: How long can Unit-2 operate after this approval?
A: Another ten years.
Q3: Where is Tarapur Atomic Power Station located?
A: Near Boisar in Palghar district, Maharashtra.
Q4: What type of reactors are Tarapur Unit 1 and Unit 2?
A: Boiling water reactors (BWRs) – India’s first ones.
Q5: What is the full form of AERB?
A: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. It is India’s nuclear safety regulator.
EXAM-FOCUSED POINTS
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Approval date: 7 May 2026
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Approval given by: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
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Plant name: Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), Unit-2
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Operator: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
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Permission: Restart plus ten more years of operation
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Unit-1 status: Cleared in December 2025, running at 160 MWe
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Location of Tarapur: Near Boisar, Palghar district, Maharashtra
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Reactor type: Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) – water acts as both coolant and moderator
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Unit-1 and Unit-2 start year: 1969 (commercial operation)
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Key upgrades: New corrosion-resistant piping, Reactor Containment Filtered Venting System, Alternate Cooling Water System
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AERB role: Nuclear safety regulator, will keep monitoring both units
Month: Current Affairs - May 12, 2026
Category: TarapurAtomicPowerStation