Nuclear power plants built to 'Perfection'
The tools developed by the EU-funded PERFECT project ('Prediction of irradiation damage effects in reactor components') are set to make the nuclear power plants of the future safer and also extend their lifetime. The materials used to build nuclear power stations often undergo degradation as a result of the high levels of radiation they are exposed to. Up until now the material databases needed understand these processes have relied on long-term irradiation programmes in test reactors as well as on mechanical or corrosion testing in specialised hot cells. The PERFECT project's contribution to this field of study consists of 'virtual' reactors, which were developed on the back of advances in computer technology. These virtual reactions are capable of simulating irradiation effects in the pressure vessel steels and stainless steels which are most commonly used to make the internal structures of light water reactors. The simulation tools developed by PERFECT will reduce the need for dedicated irradiation campaigns in a cost-effective manner. They will also help design experimental programmes and understand the phenomena leading to degradation occurring in nuclear power plants. It is hoped that these results can be extrapolated from fission reactors to use in fusion reactors. Virtual reactors will help the nuclear energy industry design the nuclear reactors of the future and lengthen the lifespan of reactors. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency the typical lifespan of nuclear power plants ranges from 30 to 40 years. Extending the life span of reactors is referred to as plant life management (PLiM) and has been gaining increased attention. The importance of PLiM cannot be understated and its importance becomes clear when one considers that of the 439 nuclear power plants currently operational, the majority have been running for over 20 years. As a result many are close to 'retirement'. Given the costs involved in building reactors, coupled with the growing demand for energy word-wide, projects such as PERFECT, which can predict the long-term projections for nuclear PLiM and extend the lifespan of power plants and ensure their safety, are vitally important. PERFECT represents a major step forward for the European nuclear industry as it helps maintain Europe's lead in multi-scale modelling of irradiation effects. Another added benefit is that the tools developed by the project can help the industry face its competitors on the global market of new reactors, services and maintenance operations. PERFECT was coordinated by Electricité de France. All in all 12 European organisations involved in the nuclear field and 16 universities from across Europe were involved in the research. Alongside the researchers were representatives of constructors, utilities, regulatory authorities, and other research organisations, who formed the PERFECT Users-Group. As the project was progressing, they received the information and training required to make their own assessment on safety and the potential of the developed tools. The project ran for four and half years and cost €18,418,000, of which €7.5 million came from the European Commission's EURATOM programme, which is responsible for ensuring the regular and equitable supply of nuclear fuels for the Community.