Preparing for (nuclear) licensing beyond 60 years [View all]

[FBaggins]

US nuclear utilities could start applying to the regulator from 2017 for operating licence extensions beyond 60 years. Staff at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) say they are preparing for this.

Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the NRC is allowed to issue licences for nuclear power reactors to operate for up to 40 years. The original 40-year period was more to do with amortisation of capital than implying that reactors were designed for only that lifespan. Regulations allow the NRC to extend licences for additional 20-year periods provided the reactor is deemed safe to continue operating. There is no restrictions on how many times a licence can be extended.

First licence renewal extending operation beyond the original 40 years was issued to the two-unit Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in March 2000. Of the USA's 100 operating nuclear power reactors, the NRC has so far renewed 72 of their operating licences and is currently reviewing a further 18. As of the end of last year, 20 reactors had entered the period of extended operation between 40 and 60 years.

In a paper to the commission, NRC staff said, "Based on discussions with the nuclear industry, the staff believes the first application for subsequent licence renewal may be submitted as early as 2017."

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS-Preparing-for-licensing-beyond-60-years-2402144.html

Some will no doubt pull out additional hair at the news.