The unit’s operating license was originally for 40 years, but in light of official investigations, “ASN has given the green light, so Tricastin-1 is the first reactor whose operation will be extended to 50 years after 40 years,” the minister said in another statement on Monday. He added that he also sees it possible to increase the operating time of the Tricastin-1 power plant by another 10 years up to 60 years, and work on that should start now.
The minister stated: The nuclear plant has a major role in the French nuclear renaissance. The minister reminded that France’s energy needs can only be met through nuclear power plants, moreover, the climate goals set can only be achieved by keeping them in operation.
According to the plans, 14 new nuclear power plants will be built in France by 2050, and the operating time of modern power plants that are about to be shut down but meet safety standards will be increased from 40 to 50 years. According to an article published on Monday by French business newspaper Les Échos, the life of the reactor, which produces a total of 32,900 megawatts of power, should be extended. In March, the minister responsible for energy transmission asked the French energy company EDF to develop solutions. Under the modernization program, 15 nuclear reactors are currently being modernized, but 11 have already been completely modernized, so there is only the official investigation and decision left.
Construction of the Trecastine Nuclear Power Plant in southern France began in 1974 and consists of four reactor blocks.
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