What is the lifespan of a nuclear power plant?

The lifespan of a nuclear power plant is a key issue in energy planning. These plants were originally designed to operate for 40 years. However, their lifespan today can be extended to 60 or even 80 years, with research ongoing into extending it to 100 years. Why is this possible? Let’s dive into it!

Thanks to technological advances and improved management of the ageing of their components, it has been possible to extend their operational period. In the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has already authorised 81 of the 94 operational reactors to operate up to 60 years and 8 to operate up to 80 years. Moreover, based on the current license renewal processes under NRC review, by 2030, 42 units would have received licenses to operate for up to 80 years. Additionally, the U.S. nuclear sector is analysing the feasibility of extending plant operations to 100 years.

But what factors determine whether a nuclear power plant can continue operating longer?

Factors determining the lifespan of a nuclear power plant

To determine how long a nuclear power plant can operate, three key criteria must be considered:

1. Periodic safety evaluations: these assessments identify modifications or improvements that can maintain or enhance plant safety.
2. Regulatory compliance: regulatory bodies such as the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission oversee nuclear plants and issue favourable reports for lifespan extensions.
3. Continuous upgrades and maintenance: implementation of Integrated Ageing Management Plans for plant equipment, systems, and components.

Therefore, when do nuclear power plants cease operations? According to the Spanish Nuclear Society (SNE), this depends on the decision of plant owners, provided they obtain a government authorisation following a mandatory report from the CSN.

Let's see this reality in the context of nuclear power plants in Spain.

Nuclear power plants in Spain: how long can they operate?

Spain operates five nuclear power plants with seven reactors at five locations: Almaraz, Ascó, Cofrentes, Trillo, and Vandellós II. These plants began operating in the 1980s and all have received authorisation to operate beyond their initial 40-year lifespan.

This authorisation is based on periodic safety reviews, continuous monitoring, and the Integrated Ageing Assessment and Management Plan. As a result, the Spanish Nuclear Society confirms that these plants can safely continue operating for at least another 20 years.

Additionally, there is no legal limit on nuclear plant operations in Spain. They may continue operating as long as they have regulatory approval, administrative authorisation, and the consent of plant owners.

However, the decommissioning protocol established within the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NIECP)—between the public company Enresa and the electric companies that own the plants—outlines a phased shutdown between 2027 and 2035.

Shutdown schedule:

• Almaraz I: 2027
• Almaraz II: 2028
• Ascó I: 2030
• Cofrentes: 2030
• Ascó II: 2032
• Vandellós II and Trillo: 2035 

This project includes the construction of temporary storage facilities for spent fuel and high-level waste until a deep geological repository is implemented, expected by 2073.

Can the shutdown schedule be extended?

Postponement of the decommissioning of nuclear power plants in Spain

Although a shut down timeline has been agreed upon, discussions over extending the lifespan of nuclear power plants are ongoing. Industry experts highlight that nuclear plants are technically capable of long-term operation and note that the energy landscape has changed since the decommissioning decision was made.

In other countries, nuclear plant lifespan extensions are already happening. The best example is the United States, where 81 of the 94 operational reactors have already been granted 60-year operating licenses, while eight have been approved for 80 years.

Furthermore, North Anna, a plant that served as a reference design for Spain's Almaraz and Ascó plants, received authorisation in August 2024 to operate for 80 years (Nuclear Forum).

Some plants, such as Palisades and TMI-1 in the U.S., were disconnected from the grid for permanent shutdown but are now seeking to be reconnected. The NRC is working on adapting regulations to allow this.

In this context, the Spanish nuclear industry has stated that if the government were to review the NIECP and modify the decommissioning schedule, the continued operation of nuclear plants would be assessed, provided their economic viability is ensured.

Why is the global phase-out of nuclear power being reconsidered? Due to the benefits of nuclear energy in the energy transition.

The role of nuclear energy in the energy transition

Since the nuclear phase-out was decided, global circumstances have changed. In particular, following the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. This has led many countries to reconsider the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition towards a more sustainable, fossil fuel-independent energy model.

And why has this paradigm shifted? Nuclear energy has several advantages: it does not produce GHG, enhances energy independence, provides stability, and is cost-effective.

In 2023, Spanish nuclear plants generated over 20% of the country's electricity and prevented 20 Mt of CO₂ emissions, according to the Spanish Nuclear Industry Forum.

Nuclear power plants can operate for at least 80 years today thanks to technological innovations and rigorous maintenance. Despite the existing phase-out plan in Spain, nuclear energy remains essential for a sustainable energy transition, providing stability and reducing CO₂ emissions.