Canadian regulatory approach to ensuring the implementation of effective ageing management programs for nuclear power plants

Effective ageing management is a key element of the strategy for maintaining long-term safety and reliability of nuclear power plants (NPP). This paper presents the Canadian regulatory perspective on managing the ageing of CANDU NPP. This paper looks introspectively at the current level of ageing management effort at Canadian reactor sites, and discusses the need to increase efforts in order to account for the increasing effects of degradation mechanisms. It examines accepted international practice for ageing management, making reference to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggested practice, and goes on to describe the overall Canadian regulatory approach to ageing management, including the development of regulatory requirements for ageing management programs. In conclusion, the paper indicates a path forward involving a proactive ageing management approach.