Nuclear plants get extra life
Initial lifespan of 40 years could be extended to 50 under government plans
FRANCE’S nuclear power plants could see their lifespan increased from 40 to 50 years.
The Journal du Dimanche, quoting several sources inside the government, said that the state is likely to authorise EDF to use the reactors for another 10 years.
The oldest of France’s 58 nuclear reactors will turn 40 in 2018. Some, such as Tricastin, opened in 1980, were originally only given a 30-year lifespan.
A decision is expected by the end of the year.
A source at the treasury at Bercy said that if the action was not taken, electricity bills would rise from 30% between now and 2017, instead of the predicted 20%.
Areva has put the cost of replacing the first of France’s reactors at €140 billion.
“The decision is made,” said another source, “the government is just looking for the right political timing.”
The Journal du Dimanche points out that EDF could see an extra €800m a year from the deal, a benefit also to the government which holds the vast majority of shares in the company.
Despite a promise that dividends from EDF will go towards financing renewable energy or green home refurbishment, the Ecologists, part of the government coalition, have said they will oppose the move.
“We will not accept the extension of the life of nuclear reactors to 50 years,” said MP Denis Baupin, “This would contradict the promises of François Hollande to reduce the nuclear contribution to electricity production to 50% by 2025.”
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Photo: Tricastin by wiki/Vpe
