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French nuclear regulator allows EDF 1300MW reactors to have their lifespan extended

The French nuclear regulator ASNR announced on Thursday that EDF's 1300MW EDF reactors can operate for longer than their 40-year original lifespan.

It said that this would require upgrading to raise the safety standards in order to match those of European Pressurised Reactors.

During its 40-year inspection, the regulator will set specific safety requirements for every reactor. EDF must also submit annual reports describing its progress towards meeting these requirements.

The decision relates to 20 reactors of the 56-strong country's fleet that will reach their current lifespan approved between now and 2020. The regulator approved the extension of EDF's smaller 900MW nuclear reactors.

The French President Emmanuel Macron made the expansion of the country's nucleo-production capability a major project. This included extending the lifespans of existing nuclear sites as well as building at least six reactors over the next decades.

EDF has been struggling with project delays, overruns in budgets for new plants, and reactor defects.

The state spent around 10 billion euro to nationalise the EDF, which was heavily indebted.

The CEO Bernard Fontana was appointed earlier this year and has been given the task of accelerating nuclear expansion. He is now looking for ways to raise money to fund upgrades and new construction, and may even consider asset sales.

(source: Reuters)