Two BWRs could each operate for up to 60 years
The state-owned utility Comisión Federal de Electricidad, operator of the Laguna Verde nuclear power station in Mexico, is preparing the facility for safe long-term operation (LTO) “in a timely manner”, but should perform a comprehensive periodic safety review to identify potential safety improvements, an International Atomic Energy Agency mission concluded.
The Salto (safety aspects of long-term operation) follow-up review mission also said the operator should fully implement a programme to confirm resistance of electrical components to harsh conditions – a so-called equipment qualification programme.
The Salto (safety aspects of long-term operation) follow-up review mission also said the operator should fully implement a programme to confirm resistance of electrical components to harsh conditions – a so-called equipment qualification programme.
The team noted that the operator had improved ageing management of mechanical components, civil structures and buildings; developed and implemented a comprehensive training programme for ageing management; and improved the process for data management in support of LTO.
The station, on the Gulf of Mexico east of Mexico City, consists of two boiling water reactor units. Laguna Verde-1 has a net capacity of 777 MW and Laguna Verde-2 of 775 MW. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1990 and Unit 2 in 1995.
Comisión Federal de Electricidad has already obtained a licence renewal to extend the operating lifetime of Unit 1 from 30 to 60 years. An application to extend operation of Unit 2 from 30 to 60 years is in process.
