Feasibility of Safe Operation of WWER-440-Type Nuclear Power Plants for Up to 60–70 Years

Tamás János Katona (), Ágnes Biro and Sándor Rátkai
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Tamás János Katona: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
Ágnes Biro: VEIKI Energia+ Ltd., 2030 Érd, Hungary
Sándor Rátkai: MVM Nuclear Power Plant Paks, 7031 Paks, Hungary

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: Most WWER-440 reactors are operated over the planned operational lifetime of 30 years. Now, the owners/operators are preparing for the second phase of extending the operation. The paper presents an overview of the most important aspects of ageing of the main components of the WWER-440-type reactors based on the operational and ageing management experiences and primary research efforts supporting the operation. The paper aims to demonstrate that the expectations for the operability of these reactors for up to 60–70 years are realistic. The scope of the review is limited to the ageing of the reactor pressure vessel, vessel internals, and steam generator, which are the lifetime-limiting components besides the containment structure. Some of the corrective actions, improvements of in-service inspections, maintenance, and ageing management are also considered in the paper. It is shown that the selection of materials and unavoidable material degradation processes do not limit the operation of the WWER-440 reactors for up to 60–70 years under the established operational environment and ageing management practice.

Keywords: reactor pressure vessel; reactor internals; steam generator; irradiation embrittlement; long-term operation; stress corrosion cracking; dissimilar material welds; ageing management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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