25 Apr (NucNet): Nuclear operator EDF should take “priority action” to deal with the possible safety implications of a “significant increase” in the duration of maintenance shutdowns for French nuclear reactors in 2013, nuclear safety authority ASN (Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire) has said.
In its annual report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2013, ASN says “rigour in daily operations” of nuclear stations remains an area for improvement for EDF.
The report says 2013 was broadly in line with previous years and ASN found “no new major problems” affecting the country’s fleet of 58 commercial reactor units or its radiation protection regime.
The number of reported incidents has remained stable and the current situation is satisfactory overall, the report says.
In February 2014, EDF presented France’s parliament with details of the company’s 55 billion euro (76 billion US dollars) reactor life extension programme, saying the “major overhaul” of the company’s nuclear fleet will be concluded by 2025.
The ASN annual report is online: www.asn.fr/Informer/Actualites/Rapport-2013-de-l-ASN
