France prepares to extend life of nuclear power plants that meet safety standards by 10 years
Release date: 2016-03-03 Source of information: National Atomic Energy Agency Font size: [Big Middle Small]
French Environment and Energy Minister Royal said on February 28 that he plans to extend the life of nuclear power plants that meet the relevant standards of the French Nuclear Safety Agency by 10 years.
France Electric Power Group (EDF) recently applied to extend the operating life of its operating nuclear reactors from 40 to 50 years. Royal said in an interview with French television on the 28th that the application will be approved after passing the safety assessment of the French Nuclear Safety Agency.
Royal explained that the French people have invested heavily in nuclear reactors for many years, and these nuclear power plants have now recovered their investment and the price of electricity production will be further reduced. Therefore, after receiving the positive opinion of the Nuclear Safety Agency, she will authorize the extension of the life of the nuclear power plant.
Royal also emphasized that extending the life of a nuclear power plant will not violate the relevant provisions of the Energy Transition Law passed in July last year. According to the law, France will adjust the energy structure and reduce the proportion of nuclear power from 75% to 50% by 2025 to increase the use of renewable energy.
Levy, president of EDF, previously announced that the French government has agreed to modernize the nuclear power facilities with a design life of 40 years and extend its useful life to 50 to 60 years while ensuring safety. Analysts believe that this move will help improve the group's financial position.
EDF currently operates 58 nuclear reactors across France. In its annual report, the French court of audit pointed out that after the implementation of the "Energy Transition Law", France Power may be forced to close one-third of its nuclear reactors by 2025.