Organizational Change and Stability in French Nuclear Power Operations

Abstract

The French nuclear power system, owned and operated by Electricite de France (EDF), is renown for its use of a standard technology in the production of electricity. Despite the French use of similar, if not iden tical, systems in its 57 plants, change is also a recurrent phenomenon. This contrast between standardized technical systems and changing organizational systems is a critical element in EDF's effort to improve operational safety and efficiency This article describes selected aspects of EDF operations that reflect the historical emphasis on standardiza tion. It examines the various changes taking place at EDF that contrast with the apparent stability resulting from standardization, and it gives reasons for these changes and their implications.

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