The NEA has been analysing the status of knowledge related to long-term operation (LTO) of nuclear power plants to determine the gaps in knowledge and technology which need to be addressed to enable safe LTO beyond 60 years. A comprehensive overview of the technical foundations, operational experience and emerging challenges associated with extending nuclear power plant operation beyond 60 years is documented in the new NEA publication entitled Status Report on Long-Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants Beyond 60 Years.
The report highlights several key areas where advancements in knowledge and technology will be essential to ensure safe and reliable long-term operation. With these findings now publicly available, the next steps will focus on fostering dialogue among regulators, operators, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders involved in shaping the future of the nuclear energy sector. Further efforts will be dedicated to developing strategies to address the identified opportunities
The NEA work on the next phase includes activities of the NEA Working Group on Integrity and Ageing of Components and Structures (WGIAGE) task group members. A dedicated workshop took place in November 2025 and convened more than 50 experts from 11 countries to Paris to engage in in‑depth discussions to prioritise the identified issues and to outline strategic directions for future actions, underscoring the strong international commitment to ensuring the safe long-term operation of nuclear power plants.
