Les cahiers de l'ASN #01 - Nuclear power plants: going beyond 40 years

China: to be allowed to continue to function, nuclear reactors are required by the regulations to conduct a “periodic safety review” every 10 years. Japan: a periodic safety review is held every 5 years. The law stipulates a service life of 40 years for Japanese reactors. They may not function beyond this period, unless a 20-year service life extension application is submitted. So far, three reactors have submitted such an application. Russia: a periodic safety review is held every 10 years to assess the facility’s ability to function for a further 10 years. South Korea: a periodic safety review is held every 10 years to assess the facility’s ability to function for a further 10 years. INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY ORGANISATIONS •  International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA*): SSG-25 Safety Guide on PSR The concept of the periodic safety review comprises a check on the conformity of the facility and should lead to safety improvements being proposed. •  Europe: Directive 2009/71/Euratom Under the regulatory oversight of the competent authority, a licensee systematically and regularly (at least every 10 years) assesses the safety of the nuclear facility. This reassessment aims to verify conformity with the existing design and identifies improvements to be made to address problems linked to ageing, operating experience acquired, the most recent research results and changes to international standards... 4th periodic safety review of the French 900 MWe nuclear power reactors • 21