EDF Energy has amended the return-to-service dates for both units at its Hunterston B nuclear power plant in Scotland to allow for the assessment of new seismic analysis and also further modelling work which is required to underpin the safety case for both Hunterston B-7 (Reactor 3) and Hunterston B-8 (Reactor 4). Reactors 3 and 4 have been offline since March and October, respectively, after cracks were found during routine inspections. EDF has said it still expects Hunterston to close in 2023. EDF Energy announced in May that Reactor 3 will remain offline while new cracks are investigated in the unit’s graphite core. Whilst these cracks are expected as part of the ageing process of the graphite bricks, the latest cracks have appeared quicker than anticipated.
World Nuclear News 21st Dec 2018 read more »