Operator EPZ preparing for long-term operation
The operator of the Netherlands’ only commercial nuclear power station has shown it is committed to ensuring operational safety and reliability, but should improve its radiation protection programme.
An International Atomic Energy Agency team of experts said plant radiation protection practices for contamination control, dose planning and control of radioactive sources should be enhanced at the Borssele nuclear station to meet the requirements of the plant’s radiation protection programme.
The team said operator EPZ should also improve implementation of operator support systems to prevent the use of non-authorized operating documentation.
The team said operators have developed an easily applicable matrix to visualise ageing management activities to ensure effective ageing management at the 482-MW pressurised water reactor unit, which began commercial operation in 1973.
In December, the Dutch government chose the Borssele site as its preferred location for the proposed construction of two new nuclear power reactor units.
According to a government statement, the units should be deployed by 2035, each have a capacity of between 1,000 MW and 1,650 MW, and use Generation III+ reactor technology.
The government also said it would begin the legislative process to allow the operating lifetime extension of the existing Borssele unit beyond 2033, the final operation date set by existing legislation.
