Nuclear power at Electricite de France: Change and variation amid standardization

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:89253

DiBella, A J

The French nuclear power system, owned and operated by Electricitd de France (EdF), is renown for its use of a standard technology in the production of electricity. While the French have relied on similar, if not identical, technical systems to establish their network of plants, management`s current focus is on organizational change. This contrast between standardized technical systems and changing organizational systems is a critical element in EdF`s effort to improve operational safety and efficiency. This paper first describes selected aspects of EdF operations that reflect the historical emphasis on standardization. A second section describes the organizational changes taking place at EdF that contrast with the apparent stability resulting from standardization. The reasons for these changes and their implications are discussed in the final sections. This paper is based on an extensive set of interviews and observations made about EdF nuclear operations during four annual trips to France since 1991. The research was conducted at three plants sites and at the Paris headquarters office of nuclear production.

• OSTI ID: 89253
• Report Number(s): CONF-941102--
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 71; ISSN TANSAO; ISSN 0003-018X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
FRANCE
MANAGEMENT
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PERSONNEL
PWR TYPE REACTORS
STANDARDIZATION