Les cahiers de l’ASN #02 - Conditions for the continued operation of EDF’s 900MWe reactors

Deployment of the 4 th periodic safety review of the thirty-two (32) 900MWe reactors represents a major challenge for EDF. It will necessitate investment in human resources on the part of EDF and its subcontractors of a level not seen since the actual building of these reactors. During the safety review, ASN examined the provisions specifically made by EDF to take account of the organisational and human factors in the design and embodiment of the modifications. ASN also prescribes performing the work on each reactor in two stages , firstly to allow for the capability of the industrial fabric to accomplish the work with the required standard of quality, and secondly to enable the operators to assimilate these major facility modifications in a stepwise manner. If EDF considers that, for technical or economic reasons, it cannot implement ASN’s requirements, the reactor will have to be shut down. Could ASN demand the shutting down of reactors if EDF cannot perform the required work? In the months preceding its formal presentation, the ASN resolution was the subject of extensive discussions with the stakeholders. The answers to the main questions raised by the public can be found in the examination report published on the ASN website. We answer some of these questions here. Your questions, our answers Maintaining and transferring skills, training, management of subcontracting, quality of workers, etc. the challenges facing the French NPP licensee are very significant. Is it reasonable to ask as much of EDF? 24 • Les cahiers de l’ASN • February 2021 INVOLVEMENT OF THE VARIOUS AUDIENCES IN THE RESOLUTION