15 Sep (NucNet): Belgium’s nuclear regulator will not approve the long-term operation of the country’s two oldest reactor units, Doel-1 and Doel-2, unless security and safety are upgraded in line with conditions set out in an action plan published in 2012.
The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (Fanc) said in a statement that long-term operation – meaning another 10 years for each unit from 2015 – would mean upgrading both units to meet all security and safety issues outlined in the action plan.
It noted that any extension to the reactors’ operating lifetimes would also require a change in federal law, which calls for a gradual exit from nuclear energy production in Belgium.
The 2012 action plan, based on a memo published by Fanc in 2009, identifies the conditions nuclear plants have to fulfil in the event of any political decision to allow lifetime extensions.
In October 2009, GDF Suez Group, which owns Electrabel, the operator of Doel-1 and Doel-2, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Belgian state to extend the operating lifetime of the units by 10 years.
But in July 2012 Belgium’s cabinet voted for a nuclear phase-out plan that will mean closing the Doel-1 and -2 nuclear reactors in 2015, while prolonging the lifespan of Tihange-1.
Possible lifetime extensions for Doel-1 and -2 are being discussed as part of talks to form a coalition government in Belgium.
The prospect of lifetime extension was raised following the shutdown of Doel-3 and Tihange-2 for an indefinite period due to investigations into cracks found on their reactor vessels, and the investigation into possible sabotage of the Doel-4 unit, which is expected to be back online in December 2014.
Due to the unavailability of these reactors, Belgium is faced with possible insufficient supply of electricity in the coming winter, officials said.
On 11 September 2014, a spokesperson for Electrabel said extended operation of the two reactors would “cost millions of euros” for safety upgrades and would not be worth the investment if the extension is for less than five years.
Doel-1 and -2, both 433-megawatt pressurised water reactors, began commercial operation in February 1975 and December 1975 respectively.
Belgian nuclear reactors are subject to safety reviews every 10 years. The last decennial safety review of Doel-1 and Doel-2 took place in 2005. The next decennial safety review – the fourth – is scheduled for 2015, after which a decision on long-term operation will be made.
Fanc said “many changes” will have to be made by Electrabel before long-term operation of the two reactors is approved.
Electrabel will have to provide Fanc with an action plan that details priority changes and upgrades to the units. These changes would need to be implemented before any lifetime extension is given. The action plan would also have to give details of other changes and upgrades that would be implemented within three years of the granting of any operating extension.
Fanc said it would oppose repeated short-term operating approvals of one to three years because this might lead to a reduction in safety or “non-realisation of investments in necessary security”.
