* See glossary page 21 ASN can suspend the operation of a reactor at any moment in the event of serious and imminent danger. This is part of its duty of permanent oversight of nuclear facilities. A decision such as this is possible during a periodic safety review and at any time during the life of the reactor. Reviews are however an opportunity to reinforce the safety level of the reactors. If EDF considers that, for technical or economic reasons, it cannot implement ASN’s requirements, it will have to shut down its reactor. Lastly, final shutdown of a nuclear reactor for energy policy reasons is decided on by the Government and not by ASN. The licensee* transmits the review concluding report about six months after the reactor’s ten‑yearly outage inspection*. This includes the results of the checks carried out during this ten‑yearly outage inspection*. This report is examined by ASN and the proposed additional works are submitted to a public inquiry. ASN then issues a position statement on continued operation up until the next periodic safety review. Pending ASN’s decision and the performance of the works, the reactor can continue to function. In the same way as after each refuelling outage (or every 12 to 18 months), its restart remains subject to ASN approval. Why does ASN not make its position known regarding the continued operation of a reactor immediately following its ten‑yearly outage inspection*? Your questions, our answers During this 4th periodic safety review, is it ASN that decides whether or not to shut down a reactor? PUBLIC INFORMATION AND PARTICIPATION 18 • Les cahiers de l’ASN • January 2024
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