Nuclear plants to have extended existence

Is nuclear fission going to make a comeback and plug the gap in our energy needs? Will nuclear fusion ever become energetically viable?

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biffvernon
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Nuclear plants to have extended existence

Post by biffvernon »

Looks like they're preparing a patch-up job.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2 ... lans-doubt
Britain's ageing nuclear reactors, which were due to close in the next decade, are set to be kept open under a plan approved by the industry's regulator.

In a move which could have far-reaching implications for the government's energy policy, the Office for Nuclear Regulation has told the Guardian that it is working with the country's dominant nuclear operator, the French-owned company EDF, to extend the life of its eight nuclear power stations in the UK, and that it is "content for the plants to continue to operate", as long as they pass regular safety tests. The two organisations are also discussing other improvements to EDF's plants, including monitoring systems and dealing with possible the reactors' ageing.
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PS_RalphW
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Post by PS_RalphW »

quel surprise
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clv101
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Post by clv101 »

My understanding is that our AGRs don't respond to attempted life extensions as well as the more common PWRs in the US and elsewhere. Previous life extensions have been at reduced load, or as a result of very low activity factors early in their life.

I certainly don't expect a blanket +10yrs across all the AGRs.
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