Notes on safety modernization of nuclear power plants in Sweden

Investment programmes are pursued for all reactor generations in the order of 70M USD per year and unit, despite the political decision to phase out nuclear power. 15-20% of this may be safety-related. Major redesign and replacements of piping and joints in the primary system of Ringhals-1 (1:st generation BWR, external pump loops) are under-way aimed at enhancing the barrier reliability at par with with the new reactors with internal circulation pumps. Major upgrading in process control are typically on the agenda, e.g. modern digital protection and control systems as installed in Ringhals 1 and 2 in 1995. Comprehensive modernization of the control rooms are planned for all Swedish reactors, commencing in 1997 with the Forsmark reactors. The needs for modernization in regard of safety are expected to be further clarified in the design basis reviews due for completion in 1998