Tuesday, March 15, 2011

AERB Reviews Safety in Indian Nuclear Power Plants

Indian Reactors Designed to Withstand Effects of Earthquake and Tsunami


Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) of India is constantly monitoring the situation at Japan’s Nuclear Sites in the aftermath of unprecedented earthquake and tsunami. Technical information are coming in as the situation is evolving and a clearer picture will emerge progressively. A detailed review of the entire situation will be taken up by AERB as full information becomes available.

In India, out of 20 reactors (19 are in operation), only two units namely Tarapur 1&2 are Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) similar to ones at Fukushima, Japan. All the reactors in India are designed to withstand the effects of earthquake and tsunami of specific magnitudes, which are decided, based on conservative criteria.

As part of the periodic safety review process AERB had earlier carried out a detailed safety assessment of all the old plants in India including Tarapur Atomic Power Stations-1&2. Based on these assessments, several upgrades in safety measures such as provisions of additional diesel generators for providing emergency power supply were made.

Emergency preparedness plans are existing for all Nuclear Power Plants in the country with respect to plant, site and off site consequences. These emergency plans are periodically rehearsed to see that mitigation measures in the event of an unlikely situation are in place.

AERB will be carrying out a comprehensive reassessment of safety and emergency mitigation measures of all the Indian nuclear power plants in the light of the unprecedented event in Japan.

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