Reactor ageing and the changes in standards lead to safety re-evaluations which are increasingly long and costly.

After the safety re-evaluation at Phénix, completed in 2003, in 2005 the Cabri, Masurca and HFR reactors were in the heavy works phases required by safety upgrades.

And there will be new re-evaluations for other installations.

In addition, due to new developments in techniques and to the use of the experience gained on operating reactors, the characteristics and possibilities of new reactors can be improved.

Reflecting this attitude, and in preparation for the future, two new reactors are currently being built on the Cadarache site.

The following pages provide essential information on the status of these projects at the end of 2005, as they prepare for the future of French and European research reactors.