LIFE EXTENSION | SYSTEM ASSESSMENT
Going beyond the nuclear design life
One of the keys to a successful life extension programme for nuclear power plants is the modelling and simulation processes required to support nuclear risk assessments. Methods can include Finite Element Analysis and Seismic Walkdown but both these methodologies are critical
By Andrew Buckley, Technical Manager, ABS Consulting Ltd.
ACCORDING TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC Energy Agency (IAEA), more than two-thirds of the world’s 442 nuclear power reactors are now over 30 years old and approaching or already surpassing the end of their originally anticipated 40-year lifespan. Around 100 of those reactors globally have already had their operating licences extended. However, the IAEA also projects that, unless more operating licences are extended, existing nuclear capacity will decline sharply before 2030, particularly in Europe and North America, with all existing plants scheduled to retire by 2060. Set against the background of an electricity generation
sector that faces the immense challenge of shifting almost entirely from fossil fuels to low carbon energy sources by 2050, extending the lifespan of nuclear power generation plants could provide an effective route to help meet the future low emissions energy goals. Although nuclear plants themselves do not have a set-in-
stone lifespan, their components do. To continue to run a plant beyond the design mark that every nuclear facility was built with, it is essential to make a case that nothing has deteriorated that could cause problems if left unaddressed. A recent example of this is EDF Energy extending the operating life of its Hartlepool and Heysham 1 nuclear plants by two 2 years to March 2026, having originally been
due to end generation in 2014. To achieve this objective, EDF needed the justification to state their extension case to the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in the shape of proof that the plants can safely achieve what they want them to.
It is important to also state that the lifetime extension
justification process equally applies to any organisation with a nuclear licence, not purely power generation plants. Key to successful life extension for nuclear power plants is the modelling and simulation processes required to support nuclear risk assessments from a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and seismic walkdown perspective.
Stating the case for lifetime extension There are clear arguments for lifetime extensions for existing nuclear plants. Compared with a nuclear new build, lifetime extension projects can be far less capital intensive, with significantly shorter construction times, better cost controls and less construction delays. Under these circumstances it makes sense to state the case for lifespan extension, particularly against pressing emissions reduction targets. However, lifetime extensions must look way beyond the reactor core itself and its behaviour. Every aspect of a nuclear plant’s operation should be assessed and proven to remain capable of safe operation.
Above: In March this year EDF announced plans to extend the operating life of the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations
30 | July 2024 |
www.neimagazine.com
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