EVT2503677
INTRODUCTION
Currently, the average age of global operational nuclear power reactors is about 32 years, with over 67% of the total operating units being more than 30 years old. Approximately 32% of operating units are over 40 years old, and 6% are over 50 years old. The continued safe, reliable, and efficient operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is critical to the global pursuit of energy security, sustainability, and decarbonization. As nuclear energy contributes significantly to the world’s low-carbon electricity generation, ensuring the long-term operation (LTO) of existing nuclear power reactors has become a strategic priority for both operating and newcomer countries.
Long-term operation typically refers to extending the operational life of a nuclear power plant beyond its original design life, usually after 30 to 40 years. This extension is contingent upon ensuring continued safety, reliable performance, and regulatory compliance. Well-designed national policies and strategies are vital for the systematic planning and execution of LTO programmes. These frameworks ensure that technical, economic, regulatory, environmental, and societal aspects are coherently addressed and that responsibilities are clearly defined among relevant stakeholders.
For operating countries, the benefits of LTO are multi-fold. Extending the life of existing NPPs is generally more cost-effective than building new capacity. It also maximizes the return on earlier investments, enhances energy supply stability, and contributes to climate change mitigation by preserving a low-emission energy source. However, the success of LTO initiatives relies on forward-looking policies that foster timely regulatory updates, investment in ageing management, human resource development, and public communication strategies.
For newcomer countries, where nuclear power infrastructure is still developing, incorporating LTO considerations from the outset ensures sustainable lifecycle planning. It helps avoid the pitfalls of short-term decision-making and enables the integration of long-term safety and performance standards from the initial design phases.
Despite the benefits, the implementation of LTO varies significantly across countries, influenced by different regulatory frameworks, technological capabilities, economic conditions, and political priorities. This disparity creates a need for harmonized guidance that aligns with international standards while allowing for flexibility in national contexts.
It was also noted during the IAEA’s Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power Plant Operations (TWG-NPPOPS) meeting in April 2024 that, due to the nature of energy markets in some countries, the LTO of NPPs is threatened by a lack of long-term political, policy, investment, and regulatory perspectives. Given the dynamic nature of the nuclear power industry—characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA)—NPP owners and operators must become more proactive to avoid complacency. Therefore, it has been recommended that the Agency develop a structured methodology to support Member States in formulating policies and strategies for the LTO of NPPs.
In response, the IAEA has initiated the development of a Nuclear Energy Series (NES) publication preliminarily titled Policies and Strategies for the Long-Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants. This publication will offer essential guidance to countries at all stages of nuclear energy development, helping ensure the safe, effective, and coordinated implementation of LTO programs. It will serve as a key reference for government bodies, regulatory authorities, and plant operators, particularly in states that are establishing or expanding nuclear energy programmes.
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