Abstract
As of August 2011, there were 104 commercial nuclear power reactors licensed to operate in 31 states in the
United States. Initial operating licenses in the United States are granted for a period of 40 years. In order
to help assure an adequate energy supply, the USNRC has established a timely license renewal process and
clear requirements that are needed to ensure safe plant operation for an extended plant life. The principals of
license renewal and the basic requirements that address license renewal are identified as well as additional
sources of guidance that can be utilized as part of the license renewal process. Aging management program
inspections and operating experience related to the concrete and steel containment structures are provided.
Finally, several lessons learned are provided based on containment operating experience.