Plant life management activities in Japan Original Research Article

More than 25 years have passed since the first commercial light water reactor (LWR) started operation in Japan. Accordingly, it has become important to assure the future safety and reliability of the older plants, which have a long period of operating experience. We have been investigating the possibility of assuring the integrity for long-term operation in view of technical considerations and have confirmed the feasibility of assuring sufficient safety and reliability through proper maintenance activities, in spite of long-term operation. We intend to complete the investigation and report the results within the coming 1–2 years, in order to incorporate the results into future inspection, repair and replacement plans for the actual plant. The aim being further enhancement of the safety of nuclear power plants.