Plant standardization: the French experience

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6582778

Faure, J G

In December 1985, 54 pressurized water reactor (PWR) units have been ordered and among them, 37, including five 1300-MW units, were in operation, the two oldest ones having been commissioned in 1977. In 1985, these plants generated 213 TWh with a capacity factor of approx. 83% (approx. 65% of the electricity generated in France). These performances result from favorable factors, one of these being the standardization policy of the French utility Electricite de France (EdF) for the components, design, and operation of the plants. Acting as architect/engineer, project manager, owner, and operator of its plants, EdF chose single nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) and turbo-generator suppliers for its nuclear plants. Also recall that EdF had already experienced a standardization policy since 1948 for its coal and oil-fired power stations. Standardization was a condition necessary for the success of the French nuclear program when four to six PWR units were ordered every year between 1974 and 1980. The goal was to concentrate on the first units' extensive design and tests in order to shorten delivery times, improve industrial efficiency, and reduce costs. The standardization policy applied to the implementation of the French nuclear program remains the major pillar of its success. The construction costs, construction time, and overall availability of a very large nuclear plant park are certainly the best illustrations of this view.

• Research Organization: Electricite de France, Paris
• OSTI ID: 6582778
• Report Number(s): CONF-860610-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 52
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
210800* -- Nuclear Power Plants-- Economics
CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EUROPE
FRANCE
OPERATION
PERFORMANCE
PLANNING
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR OPERATION
REACTORS
STANDARDIZATION
STEAM SYSTEMS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
WESTERN EUROPE