2011-03-14, 07:45 PM
I'd be happy to oblige you
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/drupal/node/1530
30 to 40 years isn't the absolute lifespan, it's the target age in order to make it viable to maintain a plant. The actual lifespan depends on the maintenance of the plant.
Quote:The initial design lifespan is usually 30 to 40 years. This is the figure used for the financial depreciation of the investment in the plant. However, nearly all elements in a nuclear power plant can be replaced except for the reactor vessel. This is consequently the crucial element in determining the true life expectancy of the plant. The safe and useful life of a reactor vessel depends on the degree to which it is neutron leak proof. This factor is monitored by surveillance capsules.
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/drupal/node/1530
30 to 40 years isn't the absolute lifespan, it's the target age in order to make it viable to maintain a plant. The actual lifespan depends on the maintenance of the plant.