Kyushu Electric to replace reactor vessel cover at Genkai 4 for reliability upgrade

Kyushu Electric Power Co. has decided to replace the top cover of the reactor vessel at unit 4 of its Genkai nuclear power plant in order to improve the reliability of the 1,180-MW pressurised water reactor, which entered commercial operation in July 1997, according to World Nuclear News.

WNN reports the company saying that although safety of the reactor vessel top cover at Genkai unit 4 has been confirmed through regular inspections, it has opted to proceed with replacement from the perspective of preventive maintenance. It added that it is currently reviewing the replacement plan and will install a new cover with improved durability.

Kyushu Electric also noted that the upper lid of the reactor vessel at Genkai unit 3 was replaced in 2024 with a more durable component.

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