Since the
last inspection of Belgium’s aging Tihange 2 nuclear reactor in
2014, experts have discovered 72 new cracks in its high-pressure
boiler.
According to
Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon, the cracks were found by
cameras using ultrasound technology. The plant will continue
operating as usual, Jambon added.
Anti-nuclear
activists and German politicians alike have long criticised the
nuclear facility, which sits less than 40 miles from the German
border.
There are
three reactors at the plant, which is now more than 40 years old. It
has faced a number of incidents and shutdowns due to issues with
safety and maintenance.
As of 2015,
3,149 points of damage had been found on the Tihange 2 reactor by
nuclear inspectors, according to reports from Belgian newspaper
Belga. The Nuclear Stop organization says that the number has risen
to 3,219, an increase of 2.2 percent.
Belgium is
often forced to extend the lifespan of nuclear reactors while
developing other energy sources, as about 39 percent of its electric
supply comes from nuclear power.
A November
control check also revealed previously undetected microcracks at the
Doel 3 nuclear reactor near Antwerp.
Full
report:
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