Overview of the US department of energy light water reactor sustainability program

The Department of Energy's Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS Program) is being carried out to enhance the safe, efficient, and economical performance of US nuclear power plants and extend the operating lifetimes of this reliable source of electricity. It has two facets with respect to long-term operations: (1) manage the aging of plant systems, structures, and components (SSCs) so that nuclear power plant lifetimes can be extended and the plants can continue to operate safely, efficiently, and economically; and (2) provide science-based solutions to the industry to implement technology to exceed the performance of the current labor-intensive business model. The Department of Energy's (DOE's) role is to partner with industry and with the NRC and key industry support groups to conduct the research needed to inform major component refurbishment and replacement strategies, performance enhancements, plant license extensions, and age-related regulatory oversight decisions. When appropriate, research and development (R&D) and demonstration activities are cost-shared with industry or the NRC. Pilot projects and collaborative activities are underway at commercial nuclear facilities and with industry organizations.