Given the time needed to build new electricity generating capacity, the prospects for the continued operation of EDF’s current reactors must be taken into account sufficiently in advance when defining energy policy. In particular, it is essential to have sufficient margins in the electrical system to cope with a serious generic flaw(2) leading to the simultaneous suspension in operation of several reactors, as was the case recently with the discovery of stress corrosion cracks in the piping of several reactors. The periodic safety review process, which only covers the subsequent ten years, and whose generic phase concludes shortly before the first ten-yearly outages of the reactors, does 2. The French reactors are technically very similar and thus form a standardised fleet operated by EDF. Although this uniformity means that the licensee and ASNR have extensive experience of their operation, it also means that there is a higher risk if a generic design, manufacturing or maintenance flaw (i.e. a flaw applicable to all reactors) is detected in one of these installations, as it could then affect all the reactors. not enable this need to be met. ASNR has additionally put in place a complementary approach so that it can rapidly obtain information that will enable it to construct, from a nuclear safety point of view, hypotheses for reactor operating lifetimes for use by energy policy stakeholders. ASNR has therefore asked EDF to study in advance the possibility of continuing to operate the current reactors up to 60 years and beyond, to enable an in-depth review to be carried out. Between now and the end of 2026, this review will enable ASNR to identify any obstacles to continued operation beyond 60 years, as well as the major technical issues that EDF will need to address as a priority. Find out more Les cahiers de l’ASNR No. 7 1,300 MWe nuclear reactors Conditions for the continued operation of reactors beyond 40 years The 4th periodic safety review ASNR’s decision and requirements Involvement of the public LES CAHIERS DE L’ASNR #07 Conditions for the continued operation of reactors beyond 40 years 1,300 MWE NUCLEAR REACTORS CATTENOM NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ABSTRACTS – ASNR Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2025 19
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