4. Possible configurations

4.1 Selection criteria

When a government decides to build energy production facilities, it does not do so solely on the basis of technical excellence. Other criteria of national importance are also taken into account when building up a generating fleet. These include :

• whether or not we want to ensure the country's energy independence;

• own reserves of primary energy sources (oil, gas, uranium, coal, hydraulic power, etc.);

• investment costs ;

• environmental legislation in force in the country ;

• technical control of the plant (design, operation, maintenance, dismantling);

• ...