Long-term safety assessed in the Dutch factory

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

The 485 MWe (net) pressurized water reactor at Borssele – operated by EPZ – has been in operation since 1973 and accounts for about 3% of the country’s total electricity generation. Closure is scheduled for 2033, but the government has requested that operations remain in place until 2054 if it can be done safely.

A long-term operation safety (SALTO) peer review is a comprehensive safety review that addresses the strategy and key elements for the safe long-term operation (LTO) of nuclear power plants. SALTO missions complement the IAEA Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) missions, which are designed as a review of programs and activities essential to operational safety. SALTO peer reviews can be conducted at any point during the life of a nuclear power plant. However, according to the IAEA, the most suitable time is in the last 10 years of the power plant’s originally planned operating life. SALTO and OSART reviews are carried out at the request of the IAEA Member State in which the review is to take place.

A pre-SALTO mission verifies aging management for safe LTO at an early stage of preparation before full implementation of aging management activities.

The pre-SALTO verification mission was requested by the country’s Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Agency (ANVS). During the 10-day mission Nov. 19-28, the team reviewed the facility’s preparation, organization and programs for secure LTO.

The team identified two best practices to be shared with the nuclear industry worldwide, including: Using a 360-degree imaging system to improve planning of aging management activities to reduce radiation dose to plant personnel; and use of a portable tablet for field inspectors to conduct aging management inspections of structures and record results.

The team also made 15 recommendations and suggestions to further improve safe downstream LTO, including the following: The plant should complete the development and implementation of the aging management programs for mechanical and electrical components; the facility is intended to improve the aging management of civil structures; and the plant should effectively update and implement the human resources strategy to support LTO.

“The team found that EPZ is preparing for safe, long-term operations and the power plant personnel are cooperative, professional and open to suggestions for improvement,” said team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer Gabor Petofi. “We encourage the plant to consider the review findings and implement the remaining LTO-related activities as planned.”

Carlo Wolters, CEO of EPZ, said: “We appreciate the IAEA’s support for our plant in managing aging and preparing for a safe subsequent LTO. It is very important for us to get an external view of our preparations at an early stage. The skills and experience of the IAEA team enabled us to effectively identify our areas for improvement. The results of this mission will help us improve our safe subsequent LTO activities and further align them with IAEA safety standards.

A draft report was submitted to the plant management and the ANVS. You have the opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. The final report will be presented to you and the Dutch government within three months.