Advances in materials science and technology extend nuclear power's clean energy benefits (Chinese Edition)

Advances in materials science and technology are helping to extend the lives of nuclear power plants, so countries can continue reaping their clean energy benefits. Most nuclear power reactors were initially built to have an operating life of between 30 and 40 years. Extending the life of a nuclear power plant involves assessing an existing plant and determining if it can safely, securely and cost-effectively continue operating past its assumed retirement date. When a plant's life is extended, operations can often continue for an additional 20 to 40 years.