3 ms·
> Most nuclear power plants have operating life-times of between 20 and 40 years. > The main ageing effects of concern are changes in physical properties (e.g.
by martin_a 5y ago
> Most nuclear power plants have operating life-times of between 20 and 40 years.
> The main ageing effects of concern are changes in physical properties (e.g., electric conductivity); irradiation embrittlement; thermal embrittlement; creep; fatigue; corrosion (including erosion and cracking assisted by corrosion);
> Ageing is certainly a significant factor in determining the limits of nuclear plant lifetime or life extensions. No nuclear plant, including those still under construction or being mothballed, should be considered immune from its effects.
https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/29402043133.pdf https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/29402043133.pdf
If we have not, by accident, built some super long-lasting nuclear power plants, they are at EOL as the remaining plants were built in 1982. Which is exactly 40 years ago.
Would you take the responsibility for running those things any longer?
- vimy 5y agoThey are still perfectly safe for at least 20, 30 years. Nuclear plants last a really long time. Germany is just acting very dogmatic. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=19091 https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=19091
- recuter 5y agoYes, of course I would. Why throw out the baby with the bathwater. True, nuclear power plants age - whether you can extend their life or not is an engineering question for engineers. Do an inspection and come up with an answer what needs TLC. Shutting them down because standards demand is one thing. Shutting them down early because of a political games is another. Fukashima went boom, some fear mongering occurred, this helped the political careers of some people who have no idea how any of this works. Harmed some others. Consultants made money. And firms won sunset contracts. Lets not pretend otherwise.