LTO of D4&T3 : a success story recently conducted in Belgium

The extension of the operational lifetime of a Nuclear Power Plant requires a comprehensive and integrated Periodic Safety Review (PSR) and Long Term Operation (LTO) programme providing assurance that regulatory, technical, organisational and human aspects remain adequate and effective to support safe operation over the extended lifetime. The PSR LTO programme executed for Doel 4 and Tihange 3 represents one of the most extensive modernisation and refurbishment efforts undertaken in Belgium’s nuclear fleet. It provides a robust framework ensuring continued safety performance for an additional ten years of operation beyond the initial 40‑year design basis.

For Doel 4 and Tihange 3, the PSR‑LTO programme comprises eight subprogrammes in total. The lecture will focus on the LTO Design and LTO Test and Inspection subprogrammes which ensure that design robustness is demonstrably maintained and validated, supporting Doel 4 and Tihange 3’s safe and reliable operation towards 50 years of service. Their integrated outcome provides a reference model for LTO programmes combining regulatory compliance, technical modernisation, and rigorous field verification.

Timing

18:30: Introduction of the Lecture
18:35: Lecture Presentation
19:05: Q&A
19:35: Adjourn & Networking Drink
 

Registration

 

Date

May 21, 2026

Time

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Location

University fondation
Rue d’Egmont 11, 1000 Bruxelles
Category

Speaker

  • Pieter Hellings Pieter Hellings
    Pieter Hellings
    Pieter Hellings

    Pieter Hellings is a nuclear engineer with over 15 years of experience at Tractebel. He started his career as a Design Engineer in Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics, working on expertise studies as well as coordinating multidisciplinary safety analyses. This included Design Bases and Design Extension Accident analysis, radiological consequence assessments, neutronic–thermal hydraulic coupling and development of Emergency Operating Procedures. He also regularly provides training, amongst other on Nuclear Safety in frame of the Nuclear Trainee Program of Tractebel and ENGIE Electrabel.
    In 2019, Pieter became for Tractebel the Responsible Designer for the Doel Nuclear Power Plant. In this function, he is to ensure technical coherence across all Doel projects and compliance with the plant’s evolving design bases. His work spans all major nuclear engineering disciplines, and he plays a leading role in strategic programs such as the Long-Term Operation program of Doel 4 and Tihange 3.

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