EDF Presented Improvement Plans To Nuclear Safety Body

French state-controlled power group Electricite de France SA (EDF.FR), the world's largest nuclear operator, Thursday announced a set of recommendations to France's nuclear safety regulator, following the Fukushima nuclear accident.

"EDF's fleet of nuclear power stations adhere to principles of continuous improvements," the group, which owns and operates 58 nuclear reactors, said.

"Our industry can exist only if it is safe," EDF's Chairman and Chief Executive Henri Proglio said during a press conference, saying that since March 11 "our eyes are set on Japan ."

EDF's recommendations range from the assessment of technical and human resources for accident situations to an in-depth review of the design of its power stations.

The reviews will take place by the end the year will involve reactors as well as spent fuel pools, EDF also said.

EDF said the planned assessment and safety margin review work will be carried out under the control of the French nuclear safety regulator, Autorite de Surete Nucleaire. The work will be incorporated into the French nuclear safety audits to be carried out by the ASN.

The audits, requested by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, are to be carried out by the end of the year and will be conducted in accordance with the completion of the stress tests demanded by the European Union.

Prevention, transparency and global safety standards are crucial to the nuclear industry, EDF's Proglio also said during the press conference.