7. Conclusion

EDF has developed a multi-pronged strategy to manage the operating life of its nuclear power plants as effectively as possible: excellence in day-to-day operation and maintenance, exceptional maintenance and refurbishment with sufficient foresight, ten-yearly safety reviews with associated improvements, and specific action programs to deal with various threats. As there are no technical obstacles to overcome, an operating life of 60 years would appear to be a perfectly reasonable objective. What's more, the modifications made over the years, the periodic reinforcement of requirements, the incorporation of experience, all combined with maintenance that compensates for the effects of ageing, mean that the level of reliability and safety of the units increases with age.

Of course, this observation does not prejudge the choices made by the political authorities. But...