Extended life operation of light water reactors: economic and technological review

A generic review has been conducted of the economic and technical aspects associated with the operation of nuclear power plants beyond their nominal licensed term. The study of several related subjects are presented, thus providing an information source book for those who wish to consider this concept in their planning. The maximum expenditure for refurbishment that would justify additional periods of operations is derived, and the sensitivity of the results to refurbishment downtime and replacement power cost is presented. Also presented are the project scope and cost estimates to replace a reactor pressure vessel as well as the experience in steam generator replacement. It is concluded that reactor plant extended life is a concept that is feasible and will be quite important after the year 2000 and that a few near-term efforts should be conducted