Earlier this month, EDF Energy applied to extend the limit on how much degradation can take place to the bricks surrounding the nuclear core at its Kent-based nuclear site.
Nuclear radiation causes the graphite bricks to degrade, with the current allowable ‘weight loss’ limit set at 6.2 per cent. EDF Energy asked the regulator to extend the limit to 8 per cent.
At the time the ONR said EDF Energy’s application to loosen safety limits do not pose “any safety concerns”.
A safety limit change would be required by the 30 year old nuclear plant in order to extend its lifetime to 45 years.
In February this year EDF Energy applied for a ten year life extension for the plant to enable it to operate until at least 2023.
Martin Pearson, station director at Dungeness B said: “The increase in weight loss limits has been based on an extensive programme of modelling and sampling.
“The limits are set at conservative levels and still include wide safety margins. This gives us the knowledge and confidence that the reactors are well within safe limits of operation.”