The ASNR approves the continued operation of 1300 MWe reactors beyond 40 years

On 1 July 2025, the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) gave a favourable opinion on the continued operation of the 1300 MWe reactors beyond 40 years. The authority approved the major safety upgrades proposed by EDF, while also imposing additional requirements. EDF will be required to publish an annual progress report throughout the upgrade programme, which is scheduled to run until 2040.

France currently operates 20 reactor units with a capacity of 1300 MWe, commissioned between 1985 and 1993. The original operating licence granted by the government does not impose a time limit. However, a periodic safety review must be carried out every ten years to assess whether the plant can continue to operate safely for another decade. Following nearly a year of public consultation and a review by the ASNR’s standing group of experts, the authority issued a positive decision on 1 July 2025, allowing the continued operation of these 20 reactors beyond the 40-year mark.

The 40-year milestone

In the French nuclear fleet, the 40-year milestone is a crucial step, focused primarily on plant safety. Indeed, when some reactor systems were designed, their intended operational lifespan was initially set at 40 years. Continuing their operation therefore requires updating design studies or replacing certain components. These same principles were applied to the 32 reactors of 900 MWe in February 2021.

“The ASNR requires EDF to implement the major safety enhancements as planned, as well as additional measures deemed necessary to meet the objectives of the periodic review,” the authority stated. This decision marks the end of the generic phase common to all 1300 MWe reactors. The subsequent studies and upgrades will be carried out reactor by reactor during their fourth periodic safety review (specific phase). Each reactor’s review report will then be subject to a public inquiry. The programme will begin with units 1 and 2 at the Paluel nuclear power plant and is expected to continue until 2040.

Greater transparency

“The ASNR requires EDF to report annually on the actions taken to meet the regulatory requirements and deadlines, and on the company’s industrial capacity – as well as that of its subcontractors – to carry out the necessary modifications on time,” the authority added. These annual progress reports must also be made publicly available. ■