In an annual report on Forsmark Kraftgrupp’s operation of the three boiling water rector units, SSM said the company has taken “several relevant measures” with a view to strengthening radiation safety at the station. SSM said the measures taken by Forsmark included increasing its knowledge of potential plant weaknesses and audit management in the control room.
However, all three plants, which began commercial operation between 1980 and 1985, will pass 40 years of operation in the next few years and continued work will be needed to make sure radiation safety is not adversely affected over time, SSM said.
Forsmark needs to ensure that analysis of LTO issues is carried out and a plan developed for dealing with any deficiencies. The company also needs to ensure that work continues on analysing physical protection and reinforcement measures “in the event of an increased threat picture”.
SSM said that for several years it has emphasised that Forsmark is not fully functional and efficient and that there are shortcomings in management systems.
In June 2019 an International Atomic Energy Agency team completed a review of long-term operational safety at Units 1 and 2 at Forsmark. The team praised the progress made in ageing management activities and preparation for safe LTO.
In January 2018 SSM said Forsmark had a comprehensive ageing management programme in place in compliance with the requirements of Swedish regulation and international standards.
Sweden has seven reactors in commercial operation at three sites – Forsmark, Ringhals and Oskarshamn. The three-unit Forsmark and Ringhals stations are majority owned and operated by Vattenfall.
