Unit could operate for up to 60 years The Angra nuclear station has two plants in operation and one under construction. Courtesy Sturm/Wikimedia Commons A review of long-term operational safety of Unit 1 at the Angra nuclear power station in Brazil has highlighted the need for workforce planning for the period of LTO, an International Atomic Energy Agency Salto (safety aspects of long-term operation) follow-up review mission concluded.

The mission also said a comprehensive programme to confirm resistance of electrical components to harsh conditions, called equipment qualification, should be fully implemented.

The mission, requested by Eletrobras Eletronuclear, the operator of the station, reviewed follow-up actions in response to recommendations and suggestions made during a similar mission in 2018.

The latest review focused on aspects essential to the safe LTO of Unit 1 at Angra, a 609-MW pressurised water reactor unit which began commercial operation in 1985. Eletrobras Eletronuclear is preparing a licence renewal application to extend the operating lifetime of Unit 1 from 40 to 60 years.

The team said Eletrobras Eletronuclear had completed a number of key projects related to the LTO, including developing and implementing a formal policy and improved organisational arrangements for LTO. It has also completed the identification and revalidation of methods used to calculate material fatigue or corrosion over time.

The Angra nuclear station has two plants in operation and one under construction.