NPP life is determined by a wide range of factors that include reactor type, material selection, design, operation and maintenance practices, regulatory and political environment, economics, etc. The original design life is generally 30 to 40 years. However, the actual service life may be less (or more) based on the wide range of factors. PLiM goal of optimizing safe operation with economical competitive operation is relevant no matter how long the plant operates.

Introduction of PLiM as a method for managing the plant service life in a safe and economically optimized way has to consider the following provisions:

• General condition of the plant;

• Current practices for operation, maintenance, testing, surveillance and inspection;

• Data records, reports and SSC’s life-history or capability to obtain & retain this information (in the case of a young plant); and

• Knowledge of design basis (number of load-cycles, material properties, etc.)

For PLiM, additional information should be considered, such as:

• Safety issues, their ranking and scheduling of necessary measures;

• Technical issues affecting the operational performance and costs;

• Market conditions and the economic environment;

• Political and regulatory environment, and

• Economic targets.