When will a nuclear power plant run out?

Answer 1

Nuclear plants are typically licensed initially for about 40 years, however licenses have been extended as long as 60 years.

The design lifespan for most structures (e.g. bridges, dam, highways, buildings) has always been estimated at 40 to 50 years, good maintenance can extend that somewhat. A nuclear power plant is no different, except that radiation damage to the core and primary cooling system components must also be accounted for its possible effects on possibly shortening the lifespan.

Answer 2

PWR's and BWR's have been licensed for 40 year life, but subject to possible repair work if there are doubts about integrity, especially of the primary pressure circuit. Only two plants have operated more than 30 years in practice. A number have been shutdown as uneconomic to do necessary repairs.

Answer 3

I think PWR's and BWR's are reckoned to have a lifetime of about 40 years. One of the determining factors, probably the main one, is possible embrittlement of the pressure vessel due to neutron bombardment. The NRC are particular about this as obviously major failure of a vessel would be very serious.

Answer 4

The typical usable life of a nuclear power plant is approximately 40 - 50 years to be economical to build and run.

That does not mean that the fuel runs out but other things may become unusable.

Answer 5

The average intial design lifespan is aournd 30-40 years.

Answer 6

I believe a PWR can be expected to last 40 years or so. The main worry would be the integrity of the primary circuit. Some people are pushing to be increased to 80 years.

Answer 7

a neuclear power plant will last about 50 to 75 years depending on the people that work there and if there is a radioactive leak.

Answer 8

The current generation of nuclear power plants have a lifetime of 60 years. Some people are pushing to be increased to 80 years.