''Safety objectives of the future pressurized water reactors''

In some countries in the world, huge efforts are devoted to preparation of the next generation of nuclear reactors, bringing substantial improvements, especially to safety, with regard to existing reactors. The EPR project, developed within this context, is the first project on which two countries, Germany and France, with strong and acknowledged traditions, know-how and industries, decided to join their efforts. The work on safety objectives of future reactors, carried out jointly by the German safety authority, the BMU, and the French safety authority, the DSIN, and their advisory bodies and technical support organizations, has considerably expanded in recent years, in parallel with the technological development of the EPR project. In the main, the DSIN and the BMU upheld two important positions, in July 1993 and in January 1995, establishing and advanced safety concept for future pressurized water reactors. Their common work is currently going on, with the aim of going thoroughly into the safety options assessment and of studying the basic design of the EPR project. The so-defined safety requirements will apply for the next generation of reactors which could be built in France or in Germany in the short term. Should the construction of the first plant come later, these requirements would have to be reviewed, considering the evolution of knowledge and practices in matters of nuclear safety. Lastly, the important work carried out jointly by France and Germany is to be carried on in close cooperation with the safety authorities of other countries, having nuclear power reactors, notably European countries. (authors)