Old Nukes Safe?
How long can aging U.S. nuclear power plants safely remain in service? The Atomic Energy Act originally called for nuclear plants to be licensed for 40 years, with an option to renew for another 20, for a total service life of 60 years. The first renewal under this process occurred in 2000. Power Magazine says key factors being evaluated are concrete, equipment, and electrical component degradation due to temperature, water contact, and radiation. Also, it's not yet determined whether boiling-water and pressurized-type reactors age in the same way. Of course, working against extending nuclear power plant lifetimes are unplanned downtime and expensive outages to maintain existing facilities.
How long can aging U.S. nuclear power plants safely remain in service? The Atomic Energy Act originally called for nuclear plants to be licensed for 40 years, with an option to renew for another 20, for a total service life of 60 years. The first renewal under this process occurred in 2000. Power Magazine says key factors being evaluated are concrete, equipment, and electrical component degradation due to temperature, water contact, and radiation. Also, it's not yet determined whether boiling-water and pressurized-type reactors age in the same way. Of course, working against extending nuclear power plant lifetimes are unplanned downtime and expensive outages to maintain existing facilities.
