How long is the lifetime of a nuclear power plant?
French power plants were built and authorised to function for a period of 25 years. The way they operate now could make it possible for them to last far longer than this limit. It may be that they can be operated for up to 40 or even 60 years (as is the case in the United States). Progress in techniques and preventive maintenance of power plants have improved them in such a way that they can continue operating at the same level of security.
