nuclear-news

France’s nuclear reactors’ lives to be extended beyond 40 years

Le Monde 25th Feb 2021, The oldest nuclear reactors extended by ten years. EDF’s 32 900-megawatt reactors are the oldest in operation in France. They were originally designed to operate for forty years. This is a decision that officially opens the way to extending the life of the oldest reactors in France’s nuclear fleet beyond forty years. In an opinion published Thursday, February 25, the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) considers that “all the planned provisions open the prospect” of a continuation of the activity of the 32 French 900 megawatt (MW) reactors for a ten-year period. While French regulations do not provide for a maximum “lifespan” for reactors, an assumption of forty years of operation was adopted during their design.

https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2021/02/25/l-autorite-de-surete-nucleaire-autorise-la-poursuite-du-fonctionnement-des-plus-vieux-reacteurs-nucleaires-francais_6071140_3244.html

February 27, 2021 - Posted by Christina MacPherson | France, politics, safety