Nuclear Power and the Clean Energy Transition
Advances in materials science and technology extend nuclear power’s clean energy benefits By Carley Willis
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dvances in materials science and technology are helping to extend the lives of nuclear power plants, so countries can continue reaping their clean energy benefits.
An overhead view of two Unit 2 turbines at the Darlington Refurbishment Project. (Photo: R. Radell/Ontario Power Generation)
8 | IAEA Bulletin, September 2020
“The cost of refurbishing a nuclear power plant for long term operation is much lower than building a new nuclear power plant,” said Ed Bradley, Team Leader in Nuclear Power Plant Operation and Engineering Support at the IAEA. “Long term operation of a nuclear power plant is an excellent opportunity to improve the sustainability of the current nuclear generation, since it is one of the most cost-effective sources of low carbon electricity. With the materials and technology that we have today compared to in the past, this has become an attractive and competitive option for many countries that are trying to decarbonize.” Most nuclear power reactors were initially built to have an operating life of between
30 and 40 years. Extending the life of a nuclear power plant involves assessing an existing plant and determining if it can safely, securely and cost-effectively continue operating past its assumed retirement date. When a plant’s life is extended, operations can often continue for an additional 20 to 40 years. “Given the extensive and thorough work done during a nuclear power plant’s initial siting, design and construction, as well as ageing management throughout operations, with certain upgrades and refurbishments, many nuclear power plants are capable of continuing to operate safely far past the original expected operation timeline,” said Robert Krivanek, Senior Safety Officer at the IAEA. However, some nuclear power plants have certain components and designs that cannot be easily or cost-effectively updated, which means they aren’t suitable for long term operation, he added.
