This publication deals with the latest nuclear power plant maintenance optimization programmes and provides key requirements and strategies for successful implementation. It documents shared proven maintenance optimization methods and techniques from Member States, including more detailed examples in the annexes of this publication.

The objective of the project on Optimization of Nuclear Power Plant Overall Performance within the IAEA's subprogramme of Nuclear Power Planning, Implementation and Performance is to systematically improve the overall performance and compeititiveness of nuclear power plants (NPPs) with due regard to safety through the application of technological and engineering best practices, including quality assurance/quality management, and the utilization of relevant databases. As an integrated part of this project, the Technical Working Group on Life Management of NPPs deals with the managerial and engineering aspects of NPP maintenance, its optimization process with special regard to the importance of condition monitoring in maintenance strategies and the contribution of maintenance to managing the lifetime of operating NPPs. This publication was developed in the above framework with the objective to collect and analyse proven maintenance optimization methods and techniques (engineering and organizational) in Member States.

Plant life management (PLiM) is a methodology focussed on the safety-first management of nuclear power plants over their entire lifetime. It incorporates and builds upon the usual periodic safety reviews and licence renewals as part of an overall framework designed to assist plant operators and regulators in assessing the operating conditions of a nuclear power plant, and establishing the technical and economic requirements for safe, long-term operation. Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants critically reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC), along with their relevant analysis and mitigation paths, as well as reactor-type specific PLiM practices. Obsolescence and other less obvious ageing-related aspects in nuclear power plant operation are also examined in depth. Part one introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix, and the importance and relevance of plant life management for the safety regulation and economics of nuclear power plants. Key ageing degradation mechanisms and their effects in nuclear power plant systems, structures and components are reviewed in part two, along with routes taken to characterise and analyse the ageing of materials and to mitigate or eliminate ageing degradation effects. Part three reviews analysis, monitoring and modelling techniques applicable to the study of nuclear power plant materials, as well as the application of advanced systems, structures and components in nuclear power plants. Finally, Part IV reviews the particular ageing degradation issues, plant designs, and application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types. With its distinguished international team of contributors, Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants is a standard reference for all nuclear plant designers, operators, and nuclear safety and materials professionals and researchers. Introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix Reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC) Examines topics including elimination of ageing effects, plant design, and the application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types

There is a need to optimise the maintenance of nuclear power plants, both to improve reliability and increase competitiveness. The tendency is to move from preventative (time based) maintenance to one dependent on the condition of plant and its components. This publication collects and analyses proven condition based maintenance strategies and techniques in Member States as well as selected papers on maintenance optimisation.

Sustainability of Life Cycle Management for Nuclear Cementation-Based Technologies, edited by Dr. Rahman and Dr. Ojovan, presents the latest knowledge and research on the management of cementitious systems within nuclear power plants. The book covers aging, development and updates on regulatory frameworks on a global scale, the development of cementitious systems for the immobilization of problematic wastes, and the decommissioning and decontamination of complex cementitious systems. The book's editors and their team of experts combine their practical knowledge to provide the reader with a thorough understanding on the sustainability of lifecycle management of cementitious systems within the nuclear industry. Sections provide a comparative tool that presents national regulations concerning cementitious systems within nuclear power plants, check international and national evaluation results of the sustainability of different systems, help in the development of performance test procedures, and provide a guide on aging nuclear power plants and the long-term behavior of these systems in active and passive safety environments. - Presents the latest information on the behavior of different cementitious systems used in the nuclear industry in one comprehensive resource - Includes scientific justifications of system behavior during the design, operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases - Aids the reader in the development of evaluation tests for problematic wastes