ASN consults the public on the guidelines for the 5th periodic review of 900 MWe reactors

In France, the operating life of a nuclear reactor is not defined a priori. However, in accordance with article L. 593-18 of the French Environment Code, the operator of a basic nuclear installation must carry out a periodic review of its installation every ten years. The purpose of the periodic review is to check that the installation complies with the applicable rules and to update the assessment of the risks and drawbacks it presents for public safety, health and hygiene or the protection of nature and the environment, taking into account in particular the state of the installation, experience gained during operation, advances in knowledge, including knowledge of climate change and its effects, and the rules applicable to similar installations. It must also take account of international best practice. The review thus leads the operator to improve the safety level of the facility.

At the end of this review, the ASN takes a position on the conditions for continued operation of the facility.

As with previous periodic reviews, in order to take advantage of the standardised nature of its reactors, EDF plans to carry out the fifth periodic review of its 32 900 MWe nuclear reactors in two stages:

• a so-called "generic" periodic review phase, which covers subjects common to all 900 MWe reactors, in terms of both risk management and control of the disadvantages^[1] presented by the facilities. This generic approach makes it possible to pool studies on the control of ageing, obsolescence and compliance of the facility, as well as studies on the safety reassessment and the design of any modifications to the facilities;
• a "specific" periodic review phase, covering each reactor individually, between 2030 and 2041. This phase enables the specific characteristics of the facility and its environment to be taken into account, such as, for example, the level of natural hazards to be considered, local issues, other uses of water resources and the condition of the facility.

The generic periodic review phase begins with the definition of the assigned objectives.

In this regard, EDF has submitted a "periodic review orientation file" which sets out the objectives it proposes.

In view of the major modifications implemented as part of the fourth periodic review, which will continue until 2036 for the last reactor, EDF plans to focus this review :

• checking that installations comply with applicable requirements, maintaining equipment qualification and managing ageing to ensure operation for up to 60 years;
• reassessing the management of risks and drawbacks, anticipating the effects of climate change (external aggression, water resources, etc.).

In its draft position, the ASN considers that the general guidelines adopted by EDF for this review are relevant and consistent with the current state of knowledge. This fifth periodic review should make it possible to consolidate the major safety improvements made to the reactors during their fourth periodic review and to take greater account of the effects of climate change. However, ASN is asking EDF to supplement or clarify some of these general objectives.

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