By Anthony Marcus for Eurasia Business News, June 22, 2026. Article n°3019
India has restarted the two oldest operating commercial nuclear reactors in the world: Tarapur Units 1 and 2, after extensive refurbishment and regulatory approval. They were commissioned in 1969 at Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra, originally as 200 MWe boiling water reactors and later downrated to 160 MWe.
Why it matters
The restart extends the operating life of India’s oldest nuclear site by another 10 years for Unit 2, with Unit 1 also back on the grid after its own approval. It is a notable signal of India’s ability to modernize legacy nuclear assets while maintaining a safety-first regulatory approach.
Technical context
The refurbishment included replacement of reactor coolant recirculation piping with corrosion-resistant stainless steel, plus safety upgrades such as a filtered venting system and alternate cooling water system. The regulator said evaluations showed the reactors can continue safe operation under normal maintenance and surveillance.
Broader significance
This is being framed in India as evidence of nuclear maturity and industrial self-reliance, especially because the Tarapur units are the world’s oldest operating commercial reactors. The development also supports India’s broader nuclear expansion plans and its push for more low-carbon baseload power.
Our community already has nearly 250,000 readers!
Subscribe to our Telegram channel
Follow us on Telegram, Facebook and Twitter
© Copyright 2026 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 3018
