The UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) on 24 September provided EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd with permission for Reactor 4 at Hunterston B power station to return to service for a limited period of operation. The permission is for operation up to a total of 16.25 terawatt days, or approximately six months operation. It follows ONR’s assessment on whether cracking observed in the graphite bricks that form the reactor core could compromise its fundamental nuclear safety requirements. ONR said it satisfied that Reactor 4 is able to operate safely and can be safely shutdown (including in a significant seismic event) as required. Donald Urquhart, ONR deputy chief Inspector, said: “In reaching this decision, ONR’s team of independent expert inspectors are committed to ensuring the safety of site workers, local residents and the wider public. We have scrutinised the safety justification and supporting evidence for this next period of operation in great detail, and I am satisfied that the high standards of nuclear safety that we expect have been demonstrated. We will only allow nuclear facilities to operate if we are satisfied that they are safe to do so.”
Nuclear Engineering International 28th Sept 2020 read more »