Dominique Miniere, head of EDF's French nuclear and thermal fleet, told a parliamentary committee hearing about nuclear safety that the company has been having discussions with the regulator on what safety aspects it should tackle if it wants to extend the lifespan of its reactors.

"We are confident that we will be able to continue operating our nuclear reactors after the fourth decennial overhaul," Miniere said.

ASN will rule on a potential lifespan extension of EDF's nuclear reactors in 2020-21.

(Reporting by Bate Felix; Editing by Geert De Clercq)