IAEA team completes review of long-term operational safety of Borssele nuclear power plant

A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has successfully completed a review of the long-term operational safety of the Borssele nuclear power plant (NPP) in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Pre-Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (Pre-SALTO) mission, which took place November 19-28, 2024, assessed the facility’s readiness for safe long-term operation and provided valuable insights and recommendations for further safety improvements.

The review, commissioned by the Dutch Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Agency (ANVS), focused on the facility’s readiness to operate safely beyond its originally designed lifespan. The Borssele Nuclear Power Plant, in operation since 1973, generates 3.2% of the country’s total electricity. The system was originally designed for a service life of 40 years, but the operating license was granted until 2033, and an operational extension is planned until 2054.

During the 10-day mission, the IAEA team, consisting of 12 experts from Argentina, France, Slovenia, Spain and the United States and four observers from Hungary, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland, conducted in-depth interviews with plant employees and conducted tours place through. The mission assessed the plant’s aging management practices, organizational structure and strategies to ensure continued safe operations.

Best practices identified for global use

The IAEA team praised several aspects of the facility’s safety preparations and highlighted two key best practices:

360 degree imaging system: This technology improves the planning of aging management activities and helps reduce radiation exposure to facility personnel.

Portable tablet for inspections: A portable tablet system is used by field inspectors to conduct inspections of structures, streamlining the documentation process and improving efficiency.

These innovative practices are being shared across the nuclear industry to help improve safety measures worldwide.

Recommendations for improvement and safe long-term operation

The review team also issued 15 recommendations and suggestions to further improve the operational safety and readiness of the facility for the next phase of its life. Key recommendations include:

Completion of aging management programs: The plant should complete the development and implementation of aging management programs for mechanical and electrical components to ensure their long-term reliability.

Improving aging management for civil structures: A more targeted approach is needed to monitor and manage the aging of civil structures.

Updating the HR strategy: The team recommended an update to the workforce strategy to ensure the workforce is adequately prepared and supported for long-term operations.

Commitment of plant management to improvement

The management of the Borssele NPP thanked the IAEA for its support and insights. Carlo Wolters, CEO of plant operator Elektriciteits-Productiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ), emphasized the value of external reviews in identifying opportunities for improvement. “We appreciate the IAEA’s support in managing aging and preparing for a safe subsequent LTO,” said Wolters. “The IAEA team’s expertise has been invaluable in helping us identify critical areas for improvement and ensuring we continue to meet the highest safety standards.”

Next steps and final report

The IAEA team has submitted a draft report to plant management and ANVS, allowing them to provide substantive comments. The final report will be presented to the plant management, ANVS and the Dutch government within the next three months.

The results of the review will play a crucial role in ensuring the continued safe operation of the Borssele nuclear power plant as it prepares for a longer operational life and contributes to the energy security of the Netherlands while maintaining the highest nuclear safety standards.