The main points of EDF's nuclear activities in 1999

This short article presents relevant facts concerning nuclear activities of EDF (French electricity board) in 1999. 58 nuclear reactors produced 375 TWh which represents 75% of the total production of electricity. The second unit of Civaux plant was connected to the power network at the end of 1999. This reactor is the last in a series of 4 N4-type PWR reactors (Chooz B1, B2, Civaux 1 and 2). A few years ago EDF began to consider the human factor as an important parameter in its policy of nuclear safety. This policy has led to some success that became noticeable in 1999: the lower number of unscheduled shutdowns and the lower number of infringements of procedures. As for radiation protection, results are not so good as expected. Some concrete signs of lack of rigor in daily routine operations were noticed in 1999. In order to stop this trend, EDF has launched a new policy of management called management through quality. Every year EDF spends 4,9 milliard francs concerning the environment. EDF has decided to commit itself to get the ISO-14001 agreement by the year 2005 or 2006