Status Report on Long-Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants Beyond 60 Years

This report is the result of a collaborative task that aims to provide an overview of the status of knowledge regarding LTO of nuclear power plants, and to determine the gaps in knowledge and technology which need to be addressed to enable safe LTO of nuclear power plants beyond 60 years. The report identifies the gaps to be addressed in a timely fashion and through well-focused programmes that avoid duplication of efforts.

First, this report identifies what is known about the technical and non-technical challenges and safety requirements that are relevant for LTO beyond 60 years, incorporating both laboratory and operational experience knowledge. Second, existing gaps in current knowledge are assessed to identify areas that could be enhanced. The final part of the report recommends actions to mitigate the existing gaps and to address the areas that could be enhanced. It is up to each organisation to decide what recommendations to implement and how, depending on their specific circumstances (e.g. periodic component replacement at prescribed intervals may be just as relevant as launching research to better understand ageing progression and the remaining lifespan of the component).