Nuclear energy production strategy of EDF in the early XXIst century: technical and economical considerations

With 56 Pressurized water reactors in operation EDF has accumulated 700 reactor-years of operating experience. The success of the standardization policy decided in the mid seventies allows EDF to be a profitable company. But the efficiency of existing plants must continuously be improved from the safety and economical point of view: for example, fuel management (increased length of campaigns, MOX fuel utilization etc.) is a major topic. EDF is also preparing the future and the renewal of existing plants: In 1997, EDF connected to the grid 2 N4 units (Chooz Bl and B2) and in the coming months two other units will be connected (CIVAUX 1 and 2). This design, 100% French, represents both an advanced and a proven reactor. The most important and innovative features of this evolutionary reactor are a revolutionary man-machine interface and a new turbine named ARABELLE. In collaboration with Germany and FRAMATOME, EDF has completed the basic design of the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR). (author)