3. Second-generation PWR in France and around the world

3.1 French nuclear program

Thanks to its standardized series programming, the French nuclear program has made the best use of the human and financial resources available to meet its deadlines and quality targets.

In particular, grouped orders for standardized assemblies enabled the industry to structure itself and make the necessary investments in good time. The switch from three to four loops on the primary circuit, corresponding to the increase in unit power of the units, made it possible to maintain a more or less constant primary loop unit power, and to use primary components of comparable size, for the entire program.

The industrial program has been accompanied by a major research and development program, the results of which have...