More than 68% of the world’s nuclear power plants are over 30 years old and research on ageing and long-term operation (LTO) is essential for continuous nuclear safety. In this context, the NEA Working Group on Integrity and Ageing of Components and Structures (WGIAGE) held its 48th meeting and 30th subgroup meetings at the NEA headquarters on 10-14 March 2025.
The international experts attending the meeting discussed several topics, including a status report on LTO beyond 60 years. The main objective of the report is to map the status of knowledge and technology so as to identify potential gaps and ensure the continued safe operation of nuclear power plants. The report was the result of the collaboration of approximately 100 experts. The final draft was reviewed and further discussed at the WGIAGE meeting. Members agreed to submit it to the next CSNI Program Review Group meeting for approval.
The participants discussed the following key points in subgroup meetings, among others:
- Pipe Integrity Workshop: The metal subgroup will organise this event on 23-25 September 2025 at the NEA headquarters. The workshop will have four sessions; the organisers explained the concepts and received feedback.
- Workshop on Seismic Input Motion Development (SIMD) for Analysis and Design of Nuclear Installations: The seismic engineering subgroup discussed the agenda for this event. The workshop will be held on 11-13 May 2026 at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) headquarters.
- The ageing management of typical liner structures of containments and spent fuel water pools, as well as the typical concrete elements that are critical in nuclear facilities: The summary of the NRC-NEA workshop on international concrete harvesting was discussed and a new project proposal on the concrete harvesting was presented .
In 2025 the WGIAGE celebrated its 25th anniversary and the Chair, Ari Koskinen (Finland), in a message to members stressed the importance of openness and shared interests: “We have managed to increase our collaboration also with other working groups and this highlights the group’s high level of expertise.”
The WGIAGE operates under the auspices of the NEA Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI). It aims to advance the knowledge needed to ensure the integrity of systems, structures and components (SSC). It provides guidance in choosing the best ways of dealing with challenges to operating advanced and innovative nuclear power plants in a safe and sustainable way.
