Resumen de IAEA Activities to Support Safe Long Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants
301 out of 450 nuclear power plants (NPPs) worldwide have been in operation for more than 30 years and 98 for more than 40 years (as of May 2018).
In view of these facts, many countries are giving a high priority to continuing the operation of NPPs beyond the time frame originally anticipated (e.g.
30 or 40 years).
Long term operation (LTO) of a nuclear power plant may be defined as operation beyond an established time frame set forth by, for example, licence term, design, standards, licence and/or regulations, which has been justified by safety assessment, with consideration given to life limiting processes and characteristics of systems, structures and components (SSCs). Proper and safe LTO is based on the experience and practices in areas such as ageing management programmes (AMPs), other plant programmes relevant for LTO, time limited ageing analyses (TLAAs) and plant license renewal. Other activities, including periodic safety review, current licensing basis and plant modifications, are also relevant to LTO. Effective AMPs are key elements in the safe and reliable operation of NPPs during the time frame originally planned for operation and for the period of LTO.
LTO is justified by a safety assessment that considers life limiting processes and characteristics of structures, systems and components.
In order to assist Member States in effectively managing the effects of ageing and preparation for safe LTO, the IAEA has developed related safety standards and guidance publications.
The IAEA Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) peer review service was introduced to support Member States in their activities for safe LTO.
Findings, conclusions and recommendations resulting from the SALTO peer review service are intended to assist national decision makers who have the sole responsibility for the regulation and the safe LTO of their NPPs. Different components of SALTO peer review service have already been provided to 23 Member States operating 252 NPPs.
IAEA supports safe LTO of NPPs in three basic areas:
1. Establishment of IAEA Safety Standards and other LTO related documents;
2. Fostering information exchange and establishing databases;
3. Provision of SALTO peer review service.
