Operating experience with an important group of nuclear generating stations

In 1986 French nuclear generating capacity, at 29.6 GW, amounted to about 70% of total capacity. The French system is based on standardized 900 and 1300 MW pressurized water reactors (PWRs). The availability of the 900 MW units averaged over 80% in 1986. Through the use of nuclear energy SO2 emissions were cut by 60% over 5 years, and NOx by 40%. Because the system is so predominantly nuclear, PWRs have to operate in load-following mode. The scheduling of planned outages has been improved. It was determined that a considerable increase in burnup could be achieved by replacing 1/4 of the fuel at a time instead of 1/3 as formerly. The service life of the PWRs is predicted to be 30-40 years