The overall PLiM programme is designed to meet the needs of Cernavoda Unit 1 for a

structured work programme and will be implemented in phases. This phased approach will

provide the information required to input to its cost model for plant economic assessments.

There are four major phases, as follows:

• PLiM pilot project phase

• PLiM assessment phase provides the methodologies and studies dealing with critical systems, structures and components, which could affect life attainment or extension

• Plant life attainment programme which is essentially the implementation phase of the PLiM programme.

• Plant extended operation (or plant life extension) programme.

The pilot project phase has been started effectively in 2004 and is intended to be completed

by the end of 2006. The general objectives of PLiM Pilot Projects are:

• To demonstrate the application and usefulness of the key elements of physical plant life management programme to ensure that Station goals for safety and performance are met,

• To develop the necessary governing documents related to physical plant life management,

• Reconciliation of plant equipment databases and system definitions, which is a mandatory prerequisite for any large scale screening process during development of engineering programmes

• To refine the long term PLiM programme plan and procedures based on the experience gained during the pilot tasks for maximum benefit to various plant programmes.

Successful completion of the pilot projects would give a significant level of experience and learning that will enable the Cernavoda Unit 1 plant team to implement the next phase of the PLiM programme, similarly to those being implemented by other power plant owners and CANDU operators. For next steps, it is planned to assess the pilot project results and review accordingly the PLiM programme action plan and specific procedures, have in place specific organization infrastructure (by the end of 2006) and to have fully implemented the PLIM Programme governing framework until the end of 2008.