Nuclearelectrica planning to extend lifetime to about 60 years
Note: Story corrected from earlier version which contained a formatting error in the first paragraph
Romania’s state nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica is implementing preparations for safe long-term operations at the Cernavodă-1 nuclear power plant in a timely manner and the staff at the plant are professional, open and receptive to suggestions for improvement, an International Atomic Energy Agency pre-Salto (safety aspects of long-term operation) review concluded.
The review said Nuclearelectrica should develop and complete the ageing management review process for mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation and control components and civil structures.
The plant should also improve programmes designed to confirm the resistance of components to harsh conditions, a so-called equipment qualification programme.
Cernavodă-1, a 650-MW Candu 6 unit, began commercial operation in 1996. A second unit at the site, the identical Cernavodă-2, began commercial operation in 2007. Cernavodă is Romania’s only commercial nuclear station.
In 2017 Nuclearelectrica began a refurbishment project of Cernavodă-1 worth an estimated €1.85bn ($2.02bn) with the aim of extending its lifespan by 30 years for a total of approximately 60 years.
