France: Ongoing Dialogue with the Safety Authority. Appendix V

In France, nuclear power licensing is based on the following: – An initial design life of 40 years; – No time limit for NPP operation; – As the plant ages, the safety authority conducts an extensive safety review (PSR) every ten years to ensure that the plant continues to be in conformity with the original safety standards and with any additional requirements; – Improvements required as a result of the PSR process, of updates to the safety standards, of operating feedback and of lessons learned, must be implemented. Électricité de France (EDF) has proposed solutions to meet the safety standards and is responsible for implementing them as agreed and approved by the safety authority. The latter is responsible for issuing the authorization to continue operation for ten more years, assuming that the outcome of the PSR is satisfactory and the safety analysis report meets the current licensing requirements