Problem
Deterioration of nuclear power plants
Nature:
Nuclear reactors, which started commercial operations in the 1960s are wearing out faster than expected. As the plants age, numerous unexpected problems become inevitable. In particular, the reactor vessels become brittle because of year of bombardment by subatomic particles. The potential for a disaster increase with each year.
Background:
Embrittlement depends mostly on plant design, metallurgy and years of operation.
Incidence:
In 1992, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission found 15 nuclear reactors around the USA with reactor vessels so weakened by radiation that they would required careful analysis to determine if they are safe.
Broader Problems:
Loss of capacity with ageDeteriorated building conditionsInadequate maintenance of infrastructureEnvironmental hazards of nuclear power production Related Problems:
Reduction in building of nuclear power stations Aggravates:
Radiation accidentsPlutonium pollutionVulnerability of nuclear power sourcesEnvironmental hazards of decommissioned nuclear power plantsNon-verificability of compliance with nuclear power safeguardsNuclear legacy Values:
PowerDeterioration Subject(s):
Industry → Industrial plantIndustry → Utilities
Resources → Energy
Societal Problems → Vulnerability
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
08.05.2019 – 21:08 CEST