Country Nuclear Power Profiles 2022 Edition
文献来源：国际原子能机构
FRANCE
(Updated June 2022)
PREAMBLE AND SUMMARY
The following report providesinformation on the status and development of nuclear power programs in France,including factors related to the effective planning, decision making andimplementation of the nuclear power program that together lead to safe andeconomical operations of nuclear power plants (NPPs).
The CNPP summarizes organizational andindustrial aspects of nuclear power programmes and provides information aboutthe relevant legislative, regulatory and international framework in France.
France has 56 nuclear power reactors inoperation, with two units closed in 2020 at Fessenheim (61 370 MW(e)) and oneEPR reactor under construction at the Flamanville site. Nuclear power plantsaccounted for about 70% of total French electricity generation in 2021, andmore than 92% of France's electricity comes from low carbon sources (nuclearand renewable energy). The development strategy for nuclear power is related tothe goals set forth by the Energy Transition for Green Growth Act (LECTV) andthe Multiannual Energy Plan (PPE), whose final version covering 2019-2028period was published in 2020 with an update expected in 2024.
1. COUNTRY ENERGY OVERVIEW
1.1. ENERGY INFORMATION
1.1.1. Energy policy
In order to meet the major climate andenergy challenges in the coming decades, France has defined ambitious nationalmedium and long-term targets for its energy transition. They are set out in theEnergy Transition Law for Green Growth (LTECV) published in 2015, complementedby the Climate Energy Law (LEC), published in 2019, with the main objectives ofthe shut down all coal-fired power plants by 2022, the reduction of greenhousegas emission by 40% between 1990 and 2030 and the achievement of carbonneutrality by 2050.
Two complementary documents describe theFrench energy and climate strategy. On the one hand, the Multiannual EnergyPlan (PPE) converts the policy energy objectives into operational roadmaps forall sources of energy. On the other hand, the National Low Carbon Strategy(SNBC) describes and makes enforceable a roadmap for France on how to steer itsclimate change mitigation policy by providing guidelines to enable transitionin all sectors of activity. Both documents were revised after publicconsultation then adopted by Decree during April 2020.
The 2019-2023 plan provides for severalstructuring actions for the future of the nuclear sector:
Confirmation of the continuing operationof nuclear reactors beyond 40 years, subject to the safety decisions of theNuclear Safety Authority;
Reaffirmation of the nuclear fuelprocessing strategy until 2040;
Launch of several work streams to definethe place of nuclear power in the electricity mix by 2050;
Diversification of nuclear technologieswith support for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
The French trajectory in terms of energyand climate policies is subject to a regularly revised framework. Work based onbroad consultation has been ongoing since autumn 2021 in order to develop theFrench energy and climate strategies, particularly for the 2024-2028 period.Discussions in Parliament regarding a forthcoming programmatic law is scheduledfor the summer 2023. This strategy would then be implemented through the updateof the Multiannual Energy Plan (PPE) and the National Low-Carbon Strategy(SNBC), as well as the associated regulations.
In application of the 2019-2023 PPE, thenational transmission system operator, RTE, published the results of its studyEnergy Futures 2050 in October 2021, following a process that involved all thestakeholders concerned. The RTE study has assessed six scenarios of anelectricity mix; three of which include nuclear energy, three others do not andone of the latter relies exclusively on renewable energy. The main conclusionsinclude that going completely without nuclear energy presents significant risksto the achievement of the French objective of decarbonizing the electricity mixby 2050. Building new nuclear reactors appears relevant from an economic pointof view. In addition, whatever the scenarios, a massive development ofrenewable energy capacities is necessary by 2050.
In this context, during November 2021,French President Emmanuel Macron announced the launch of a new program to buildnuclear reactors in addition to the massive development of renewable energy toensure French energetic independence while reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.During February 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron requested that six EPR2s(next generation European pressurized water reactors) be built in France andthat studies be initiated for the construction of eight additional EPR2s. Healso announced that no operating reactor be decommissioned if it still has thecapacity to produce electricity efficiently, as long as the highest standardsof safety are ensured.
1.1.2. Estimatedavailable energy
Table 1 shows France's estimatedavailable energy.
TABLE 1. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGYSOURCES
| Nuclear | Renewables | |||||
| Solid | Liquid | Gas | Uranium | Hydro | Other electric renewables | |
| Total amount in specific units | 0 | 2.4 TWh PCS | n.a. | 25.7 GW installed | 34.1 GW installed | |
Source: Ministry for Energy Transition(Service of Data and Statistical Studies): Chiffres cl's de l'energie Edition2021.
1.1.3. Energy Consumption Statistics
France has deposits of various metalsand few fossil fuel resources. Owing to high recovery costs, the generation offossil fuels has decreased to a low level and is not expected to provide asignificant share of the country's energy supply in the future. Most hydropowerresources are already being used at near maximum capacity. Therefore, France'senergy policy sets a high emphasis on improving energy independence through thedevelopment of energy efficiency initiatives and domestic generationtechnologies, including nuclear power, alternative energies and renewableenergy, in order to alleviate vulnerability to the volatility of internationalfossil fuel markets and to meet the commitments set forth by the Paris ClimateAgreement.
Table 2 provides statistical data onenergy and electricity supply and demand between 2000 and 2020. It illustratesthe end of the long-term increase of the contribution of nuclear power to theprimary electricity generation to improve France's energy independence. Since2000, domestic primary energy consumption has slightly decreased; domesticgeneration accounts for some 50% of that consumption. Yet, the overall energybalance has improved over the past two decades, mainly due to the rise ofelectricity exports.
TABLE 2. ENERGY STATISTICS
| Final Energy consumption [PJ] | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | Compound annual growth |
| Total | 6 868 | 7090 | 6 752 | 6 454 | 5 834 | -0.81 |
| Coal, Lignate and Peat | 255 | 229 | 197 | 182 | 116 | -3.84 |
| Oil | 3393 | 3339 | 2969 | 2886 | 2455 | -1.61 |
| Natural gas | 1320 | 1441 | 1379 | 1181 | 1145 | -0.71 |
| Bioenergy and Waste | 375 | 385 | 488 | 493 | 475 | 1.19 |
| Electricity | 1384 | 1520 | 1596 | 1573 | 1477 | 0.33 |
| Heat | 141 | 176 | 123 | 140 | 166 | 0.80 |
* Energy consumption = Primary energyconsumption + Net import (Import-Export) of secondary energy.
** Solid fuels include coal, lignite.
*** Including tidal.
Source: Chiffres cl's de l'Energie,Edition 2021 (Ministry for Energy Transition).
During the post-World War II reconstructionperiod, France's economic and social development relied mainly on thedeployment of energy intensive industries. At that time, rapidly increasingenergy needs were partially met by domestic coal and hydropower resources.However, as France's domestic fossil fuel resources were limited and costly,the country was heavily reliant on imports for its energy supply. By 1973,imports covered more than 75% of the national energy consumption, compared to38% in 1960. After the 1970s oil crisis, it was determined that the countryneeded greater energy independence. Similarly, the implementation of a largenuclear power programme became a major element of France's energy policy, aswell as energy saving measures, efficiency improvement and research anddevelopment (R&D) in the field of renewable energies. The share of nuclearpower in the primary energy supply increased from less than 2% in the late1970s to about 30% in the mid-1990s, rising to 42% in 2010.
The main macroeconomic impacts ofFrance's energy policy regarding the nuclear sector are low GHG emissions,drastic improvement in the energy trade balance, stabilization of domesticenergy prices at lower levels, increased competitiveness of French companies ininternational markets and deployment of a nuclear industry sector coveringreactor construction and the whole fuel cycle. The replacement of fossil fuelpower by nuclear energy and more recently by renewable energy production forelectricity generation resulted in a drastic reduction of atmospheric emissionsfrom the energy sector.
1.2. THE ELECTRICITY SYSTEM
1.2.1. Electricity system and decision making process
The General Directorate for Energy andClimate (DGEC) within the Ministry for Energy Transition (MTE), develops andimplements public policy for energy, energy-producing raw material, andmitigation strategies for global warming and air pollution.
An Advisory Energy Council (Conseilsuperieur de l'energie) is consulted on draft regulations in the energy sector,in order to enable in-depth exchanges between DGEC and stakeholders.
The national regulatory authority is CRE(Commission de regulation de l'energie). CRE guarantees equal access to the gasand power networks to all market players, so as to promote competition. Itmonitors the activities of gas and electricity system operators and providesfor the economic regulation of this monopoly, also defining transportation anddistribution tariffs. It monitors electricity and gas market functions andcompetition on the retail market, thus contributing to the protection of finalconsumers and end users.
The transmission system operator RTE(R'seau de transport de l'electricite) is in charge of ensuring the generationand consumption balance of the grid, operating the power system, andmaintaining and developing the public power transmission network. A 10year-plan defining the development of the electric grid is established eachyear by RTE and submitted to CRE. RTE is also in charge of publishing a yearlyreport assessing the generation adequacy of the power system (with respect tothe reliability standard defined by the MEP). RTE was a fully owned subsidiaryof lectricit de France (EDF) until 2017, when 29.9% of its capital was sold toCaisse des d pes and 20% to CNP Assurances.
The distribution system operatorsinclude Enedis (EDF subsidiary) that cover 95% of France, with localdistribution companies overseeing the remaining 5%. Distribution networksbelong to local authorities and are operated under a concession regime.
Created in 2006, the Nuclear SafetyAuthority (ASN) is an independent administrative authority in charge ofensuring the control of nuclear safety, radioprotection and transparency. Itcontributes to informing the citizens.
More information on the legal frameworkof France's power system can be found on Legifrance (EnergyCode).
1.2.2. Structure of the electric power sector
After a considerable increase ofelectricity generation since the 1970s, generation levels remain steady, ataround 550 TWh per year. France's electricity generation has very low CO2emissions, in large part due to its nuclear fleet and development of renewableenergies. In December 2021, installed capacities amounted to 139.1 GW in total(44.1 % nuclear, 43 % renewable energies, 12.9 % fossil fuel fired plants). Theinstalled capacity of renewable energy units is steadily growing (in particular,solar energy, wind energy and biomass) as a result of implemented supportschemes. The fossil fuel fired fleet is decreasing, owing to economicconditions and environmental policies. Since the start of commercial operationof the last reactor in 2002 (Civaux-2), only one new reactor is underconstruction (Flamanville-3).
Following years of steady increase inelectricity consumption, domestic consumption levels have also stabilized.France's electricity consumption is characterized by its high thermosensitivity,which leads to peak loads in winter and possible risks for the security ofsupply. In January 2017, France implemented a capacity mechanism, creating anobligation for suppliers to maintain a generation capacity corresponding totheir consumers portfolio and aiming at ensuring compliance with France'sreliability standard.
EDF is the main operator for electricitygeneration and supply. It operates all nuclear power plants and a significantpart of the fossil fuel fired and hydropower plants, as well as other renewablecapacities. The other main producers are Engie, CNR and Uniper.
France's transmission grid is comprisedof 105 970 km of power lines.
1.2.3. Main indicators
Table 3 shows the history of electricitygeneration and Table 4 the energy related ratios. Currently, more than 92% ofFrance's electricity comes from nuclear and renewable sources, while 7.4% comesfrom fossil fuels. In regard to fossil fuel use, 85% is gas, 10% coal and 5%oil. Electricity demand increased in 2021 compared to 2020 (+1.7%) but didnereach its 2019 level after a decrease of 3.5% from 2019 to 2020 due to thepandemic.
TABLE 3. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION,CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY
| Electricity production (GWh) | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | Compound |
| Total | 539 447 | 575 581 | 568 677 | 578 246 | 530 586 | -0.08 |
| Coal, Lignate and Peat | 30 860 | 30 705 | 26 315 | 14 537 | 4 944 | -8.75 |
| Oil | 7 165 | 7 925 | 5 521 | 6 673 | 5 609 | -1.22 |
| Natural gas | 11 514 | 23 069 | 23 758 | 21 144 | 35 317 | 5.76 |
| Bioenergy and Waste | 3 560 | 5 048 | 6 471 | 8 776 | 11 162 | 5.88 |
| Hydro | 71 133 | 56 332 | 67 526 | 60 513 | 66 532 | -0.33 |
| Nuclear | 415 162 | 451 529 | 428 521 | 437 428 | 353 833 | -0.80 |
| Wind | 48 | 962 | 9 945 | 21 421 | 39 792 | 39.94 |
| Solar | 5 | 11 | 620 | 7 754 | 13 398 | 48.39 |
| Geothermal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 92 | 133 | |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 135 | 715 | 561 | |
| Tidal | 507 | 481 | 476 | 487 | 482 | -0.25 |
** Electricity transmission losses arenot deducted.
Source: RTE (bilan lectrique 2021) andMinistry for Energy Transition (Chiffres cl's des Energies renouvelables,Edition 2021).
TABLE 4. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS
| Final Energy consumption [PJ] | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | 2021* |
| Nulcear/total electricity(%) | 76.4 | 78.5 | 74.1 | 76.3 | 70.6 | 69 |
Note: n.a.: data not applicable.
* Latest available data.
**Net import/Total energy consumption.
Source: IEA, Enerdata, Bilan energetiquede la France meropolitaine 2017, donnees provisoires (Ministry for EnergyTransition)
2. NUCLEAR POWER SITUATION
2.1. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND CURRENT ORGANIZATIONALSTRUCTURE
2.1.1. Overview
Historically, the development of nuclearpower is categorized into four phases. First, during the 1960s, in line withthe overall target of industrial independence and domestic technologicaldevelopment, various reactor designs were promoted (mainly natural uraniumgraphite gas cooled reactors and fast breeders). However, a pressurized waterreactor (PWR) unit (Chooz-A) was built jointly with a Belgian consortium and aheavy water reactor was built in Brittany (Brennilis).
In the late 1960s, international developmentsin the nuclear industry led to the recognition that French reactor designscould not compete with expanding light water reactor (LWR) technologies. In1969, the decision was made to build LWRs under licence, while restructuringdomestic nuclear industries to improve international competitiveness.Subsequently, the Government of France planned a construction programme of oneor two PWRs per year.
In the second phase, from 1974 to 1981,a design by Westinghouse (a former US firm) was emphasized for the developmentof a new French standard. At this time, the nuclear programme was acceleratedduring the oil crisis in the 1970s. Over time, the unit capacity of France'sreactors increased from 900 MW(e) to 1300 MW(e) and later to 1450 MW(e).
France developed and implemented, inparallel with the nuclear power plant programme, a strong domestic fuel cycleindustry, built upon the infrastructure originally established by theAlternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
In the third phase, in 1981, Framatometerminated its licence with Westinghouse and negotiated a new agreement, givinggreater autonomy to the domestic industry. Framatome developed a wide range ofservicing expertise and capabilities in reactor operation and maintenanceservices. In the same year, France adapted its energy policy to lower thanexpected economic growth, alongside frequent overcapacity in the nationalelectricity supply system. The achievement of the 1450 MW(e) N4 model was alandmark for the design of a totally autonomous French reactor.
In the fourth phase, a new periodstarted in 2000 when Framatome merged its nuclear activities with those ofSiemens (Germany). This resulted in Framatome Advanced Nuclear Power, which wasintegrated into the AREVA group and subsequently renamed AREVA NP (NuclearPower); its shares were held by AREVA (66%) and Siemens (34%). Between 2000 and2010, the construction of four 1600 MW EPRs, based on a design by AREVA NP, waslaunched in Olkiluoto (Finland), Taishan (China) and Flamanville (France).Despite those projects, the French nuclear industry, and especially the leadingcompanies EDF and AREVA, have encountered some challenges in the context offalling electricity prices and a slumping uranium market following the 2011accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPP.
In June 2015, key decisions were made togive new momentum to the French nuclear industry:
EDF and AREVA joined their forces forreactor design in a dedicated company, with EDF becoming the industrial leaderin this area;
Fuel cycle activities would become theprimary activities for AREVA;
AREVA would be recapitalized by theGovernment of France;
A stringent performance plan would belaunched for improved management of AREVA and its employees.
The European Commission approved the recapitalizationof AREVA NewCo by the Government of France in January 2017, in addition to thetakeover of AREVA NP by EDF in May 2017.
In July 2017, the Government of Francecompleted the purchase of 2 billion euros worth of additional shares in AREVAS.A. and an additional 2.5 billion euros of equity in NewCo, the company's fuelcycle business. New NP, AREVA's reactor business, was sold to Frenchstate-controlled utility EDF. Liabilities from completing Olkiluoto-3 andissues surrounding the fabrication of reactor materials remained with AREVAS.A.
With this green light from the ASN, therestructuring process continued and, in December 2017, EDF became the majorityshareholder of New NP, with 75.5% of the capital, while Mitsubishi HeavyIndustries and Assystem hold stakes of 19.5% and 5%, respectively. In January2018, New NP announced that it had officially changed its name back toFramatome, the name previously held by the French reactor company prior to itsmerger with Cogema in 2001. The newly re-created Framatome includes most of thereactor business formerly owned by AREVA except for the contracts for theOlkiluoto EPR in Finland and certain contracts related to the Le Creusot forgefacility. The new company also includes the former AREVA's fuel fabricationbusiness.
In addition, during January 2018, NewCowas renamed Orano; during February 2018, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and JapanNuclear Fuel Ltd officially became shareholders of Orano (each having a stakeof 5%).
2.1.2. Current organizational structure
Roles and responsibilities in thenuclear power programme organizational chart are currently being refined butbased on the following:
Governmental authorities:
MTE;
DGEC;
General Directorate for Risk Prevention(DGPR)/ Mission for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection;
Other ministries (Foreign Affairs,Economy and Defense);
Independent nuclear Safety Authority(ASN).
Expert institution/technical supportorganization: Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN);
Research and development: The FrenchAlternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA); CEA also activelyparticipates in national and foreign nuclear policy, under the authority of theGovernment. As an example, the French representative in the IAEA Board ofGovernors belongs to the CEA;
Operator of nuclear power plants (EDF);
Supplier of nuclear power plants (EDF);
Designer and supplier of nuclear steamsupply systems and nuclear equipment, services and fuel for high levels ofsafety and performance (Framatome);
Development of codes for design andmanufacturing of nuclear power plants equipment (AFCEN);
Development of industrial standards inthe field of nuclear energy (BNEN);
Fuel cycle industry, including engineeringand services (Orano Cycle);
Mining (Orano Mining);
Conversion (Orano Cycle; Philippe CostePlant);
Enrichment (Orano Cycle; Georges BesseII Plant);
Fuel manufacturing (Framatome (uraniumoxide), Orano Cycle (mixed oxide (MOX) Melox));
Reprocessing and nuclear packaging,transportation and interim storage (Orano Cycle);
Decommissioning, dismantling and nuclearwaste management (Orano Cycle, CEA, EDF, etc.);
Radioactive waste management (R&Dand disposal) (National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (ANDRA);
Trade association of the French CivilNuclear Industry (GIFEN).
2.2. NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS: OVERVIEW
2.2.1. Status and performance of nuclear power plants
After the Fessenheim closure in 2020(two 900 MWe units), nuclear power in France's electricity supply systemamounts to 61 370 MW(e). It consists of 56 PWRs (32 reactors at 900 MW(e), 20reactors at 1300 MW(e), and 4 reactors at 1450 MW(e)) (Fig. 1 and Table 5). OneEPR reactor is also under construction at the Flamanville site for which EDF isthe project engineering leader and operator. The start-up of the reactor isplanned in 2023. All EDF NPPs undergo a systematic feedback process and acomprehensive periodic safety review process every ten years, under thescrutiny of the ASN. This enables assessment of compliance with the licensingbasis and up to date safety standards and implementation of improvements, ifnecessary, in order to sustain the EDF's long term operation programme. Afterthe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPP in 2011, a complementary safetyassessment was performed, which confirmed current levels of safety withadequate margins regarding external hazards (earthquake, flooding, etc.) andresulted in additional provisions to cope with extreme hazards (fast taskforce, implementation of a hardened safety core, etc.). This process isdescribed in detail in the reports presented at the meetings of the NuclearSafety Convention (published on the ASN web site).
FIG. 1. Map of France's nuclear facilities(source: EDF, 2021).
In 2021, nuclear power plants accountedfor 360.7 TWh or over 70% of total electricity generation in France. France isthe world's second largest nuclear power producer.
TABLE 5. STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OFNUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
| Reactor Unit | Type | Net | Status | Operator | Reactor | Construction | First | First Grid | Commercial | Shutdown | UCF |
| PWR | 1310 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 5/1/1980 | 9/9/1987 | 10/14/1987 | 6/1/1988 | 90.5 | ||
| PWR | 1310 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 8/1/1980 | 5/25/1988 | 7/6/1988 | 1/1/1989 | 77.2 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 1/1/1977 | 5/20/1981 | 6/12/1981 | 12/1/1981 | 85.3 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 1/1/1977 | 6/28/1982 | 7/17/1982 | 2/1/1983 | 67.5 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 4/1/1978 | 7/29/1983 | 8/17/1983 | 11/14/1983 | 85.6 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 4/1/1978 | 5/1/1983 | 5/16/1983 | 10/1/1983 | 73.3 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 11/1/1972 | 4/20/1978 | 5/10/1978 | 3/1/1979 | 82.7 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 9/1/1973 | 8/31/1978 | 9/21/1978 | 3/1/1979 | 79.3 | ||
| PWR | 880 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 6/1/1974 | 2/17/1979 | 3/8/1979 | 7/1/1979 | 51.7 | ||
| PWR | 880 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 7/1/1974 | 7/15/1979 | 7/31/1979 | 1/3/1980 | 56.8 | ||
| PWR | 1300 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 10/29/1979 | 10/24/1986 | 11/13/1986 | 4/1/1987 | 69.1 | ||
| PWR | 1300 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 7/28/1980 | 8/7/1987 | 9/17/1987 | 2/1/1988 | 70.8 | ||
| PWR | 1300 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 6/15/1982 | 2/16/1990 | 7/6/1990 | 2/1/1991 | 39.5 | ||
| PWR | 1300 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 9/28/1983 | 5/4/1991 | 5/27/1991 | 1/1/1992 | 95.3 | ||
| PWR | 905 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 3/1/1977 | 10/28/1982 | 11/30/1982 | 2/1/1984 | 71.7 | ||
| PWR | 905 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 3/1/1977 | 9/23/1983 | 11/29/1983 | 8/1/1984 | 70.3 | ||
| PWR | 905 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 10/1/1980 | 9/18/1986 | 10/20/1986 | 3/4/1987 | 67.9 | ||
| PWR | 905 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 2/1/1981 | 10/13/1987 | 11/14/1987 | 4/1/1988 | 95.7 | ||
| PWR | 1500 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 1/1/1984 | 7/25/1996 | 8/30/1996 | 5/15/2000 | 79.0 | ||
| PWR | 1500 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 12/31/1985 | 3/10/1997 | 4/10/1997 | 9/29/2000 | 78.0 | ||
| PWR | 1495 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 10/15/1988 | 11/29/1997 | 12/24/1997 | 1/29/2002 | 62.1 | ||
| PWR | 1495 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 4/1/1991 | 11/27/1999 | 12/24/1999 | 4/23/2002 | 34.4 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 8/1/1978 | 4/2/1983 | 4/29/1983 | 4/2/1984 | 55.5 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 11/15/1978 | 8/1/1984 | 9/6/1984 | 4/1/1985 | 76.0 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 4/15/1979 | 4/9/1984 | 5/14/1984 | 9/10/1984 | 84.9 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 10/1/1979 | 10/1/1984 | 10/27/1984 | 2/11/1985 | 94.8 | ||
| PWR | 890 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 2/1/1975 | 3/15/1980 | 3/23/1980 | 9/10/1980 | 44.5 | ||
| PWR | 890 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 4/1/1975 | 12/5/1980 | 12/10/1980 | 2/16/1981 | 81.9 | ||
| PWR | 890 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 9/1/1975 | 1/25/1981 | 1/30/1981 | 5/27/1981 | 65.8 | ||
| PWR | 890 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 12/1/1975 | 8/5/1981 | 8/18/1981 | 11/20/1981 | 84.6 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 12/1/1979 | 9/29/1985 | 12/4/1985 | 12/1/1986 | 64.5 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 5/1/1980 | 6/12/1986 | 7/18/1986 | 3/9/1987 | 94.6 | ||
| PWR | 1310 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 11/17/1982 | 4/24/1990 | 6/7/1990 | 2/1/1991 | 96.4 | ||
| PWR | 1310 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 10/1/1984 | 5/21/1993 | 6/18/1993 | 3/4/1994 | 37.2 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 2/1/1975 | 2/21/1980 | 3/13/1980 | 11/25/1980 | 58.8 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 3/1/1975 | 8/2/1980 | 8/26/1980 | 12/1/1980 | 59.0 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 12/1/1975 | 11/30/1980 | 12/12/1980 | 6/1/1981 | 83.1 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 4/1/1976 | 5/31/1981 | 6/14/1981 | 10/1/1981 | 49.9 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 10/1/1979 | 8/5/1984 | 8/28/1984 | 1/15/1985 | 70.7 | ||
| PWR | 910 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 10/1/1979 | 7/21/1985 | 8/1/1985 | 10/25/1985 | 65.3 | ||
| PWR | 1310 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 5/26/1981 | 9/12/1987 | 10/21/1987 | 2/24/1988 | 83.2 | ||
| PWR | 1310 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 1/1/1982 | 10/4/1988 | 12/14/1988 | 5/1/1989 | 84.7 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 8/15/1977 | 5/13/1984 | 6/22/1984 | 12/1/1985 | 46.0 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 1/1/1978 | 8/11/1984 | 9/14/1984 | 12/1/1985 | 83.4 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 2/1/1979 | 8/7/1985 | 9/30/1985 | 2/1/1986 | 75.1 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 2/1/1980 | 3/29/1986 | 4/11/1986 | 6/1/1986 | 82.9 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 9/1/1982 | 4/1/1990 | 5/4/1990 | 12/1/1990 | 72.5 | ||
| PWR | 1330 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 8/1/1984 | 1/10/1992 | 2/4/1992 | 11/1/1992 | 86.6 | ||
| PWR | 1335 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 1/29/1979 | 8/4/1985 | 8/30/1985 | 5/1/1986 | 85.4 | ||
| PWR | 1335 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 7/31/1979 | 6/7/1986 | 7/3/1986 | 3/1/1987 | 85.2 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 5/1/1976 | 1/4/1981 | 1/21/1981 | 8/1/1983 | 52.0 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 7/1/1976 | 5/12/1981 | 6/1/1981 | 8/1/1983 | 71.0 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 11/1/1974 | 2/21/1980 | 5/31/1980 | 12/1/1980 | 81.4 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 12/1/1974 | 7/22/1980 | 8/7/1980 | 12/1/1980 | 51.4 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 4/1/1975 | 11/29/1980 | 2/10/1981 | 5/11/1981 | 85.5 | ||
| PWR | 915 | Operational | EDF | FRAM | 5/1/1975 | 5/31/1981 | 6/12/1981 | 11/1/1981 | 86.7 | ||
| PWR | 1630 | Under Construction | EDF | ORANO | 12/3/2007 | ||||||
| GCR | 540 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | FRAM | 12/1/1965 | 3/21/1972 | 4/15/1972 | 7/1/1972 | 5/27/1994 | ||
| GCR | 70 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | LEVIVIER | 2/1/1957 | 9/16/1962 | 6/14/1963 | 2/1/1964 | 4/16/1973 | ||
| GCR | 180 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | LEVIVIER | 8/1/1959 | 8/17/1964 | 2/24/1965 | 2/24/1965 | 6/14/1985 | ||
| GCR | 360 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | GTM | 3/1/1961 | 3/1/1966 | 8/4/1966 | 8/4/1966 | 6/15/1990 | ||
| PWR | 305 | Permanent Shutdown | SENA | A/F/W | 1/1/1962 | 10/18/1966 | 4/3/1967 | 4/15/1967 | 10/30/1991 | ||
| HWGCR | 70 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | GAAA | 7/1/1962 | 12/23/1966 | 7/9/1967 | 6/1/1968 | 7/31/1985 | ||
| PWR | 880 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | FRAM | 9/1/1971 | 3/7/1977 | 4/6/1977 | 1/1/1978 | 2/22/2020 | ||
| PWR | 880 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | FRAM | 2/1/1972 | 6/27/1977 | 10/7/1977 | 4/1/1978 | 6/30/2020 | ||
| GCR | 39 | Permanent Shutdown | COGEMA | SACM | 3/1/1955 | 7/21/1958 | 4/22/1959 | 4/22/1959 | 2/2/1980 | ||
| GCR | 40 | Permanent Shutdown | COGEMA | SACM | 3/1/1956 | 6/11/1959 | 4/4/1960 | 4/4/1960 | 6/20/1984 | ||
| FBR | 130 | Permanent Shutdown | CEA/EDF | CNCLNEY | 11/1/1968 | 8/31/1973 | 12/13/1973 | 7/14/1974 | 2/1/2010 11:59:00 PM | 0.0 | |
| GCR | 390 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | FRAM | 10/1/1963 | 1/7/1969 | 3/14/1969 | 6/1/1969 | 4/18/1990 | ||
| GCR | 465 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | FRAM | 1/1/1966 | 7/4/1971 | 8/9/1971 | 11/1/1971 | 5/27/1992 | ||
| FBR | 1200 | Permanent Shutdown | EDF | ASPALDO | 12/13/1976 | 9/7/1985 | 1/14/1986 | 12/1/1986 | 12/31/1998 |
| Data source: IAEA - Power Reactor Information System (PRIS). |
| Note: Table is completely generated from PRIS data to reflect the latest available information and may be more up to date than the text of the report. |
Source: EDF and IAEA Power ReactorInformation System (PRIS).
2.2.2. Plant upgrading, plant lifemanagement and licence renewals
Completed studies and work regardingnuclear power plants technical capacities provide assurance of their capabilityto operate for at least 50 years; this is a figure also confirmed by an internationalbenchmark, such as those set by the Organization for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (OECD). At the end of its fourth Periodic Safety Review, the 900 MWPWR series will have reached a level of safety that is as close as possible tothe EPR reactor safety level. Extending the nuclear reactors operations alsooffers higher profitability, with nuclear power costs remaining competitive inrelation to other types of power generation (see Section 2.3.3).
The fourth periodic safety review of the1300 MW PWR series is ongoing.
2.2.3. Permanent shutdown anddecommissioning process
On 31 December 2021, 35 basic nuclearinstallations (BNIs) of all types (power plants, research reactors, laboratories,fuel reprocessing installations, waste treatment facilities, etc.) were alreadyshut down or undergoing decommissioning in France:
28 BNIs had obtained either adecommissioning decree or a partial decommissioning decree;
7 BNIs were preparing decommissioningoperations.
In France, the immediate decommissioningstrategy remains the major national principle of the nuclear decommissioningand waste treatment policy. This principle is set by Article L.593-25 of theEnvironmental Code. It is enshrined and strengthened by several decrees andguides which constitute the legal regulatory framework of nucleardecommissioning operations being conducted in France:
The 2006 Act on Transparency andSecurity in the Nuclear Field No. 2006-686, dated 13 June 2006;
The 2006 Act on the SustainableManagement of Radioactive Materials and Waste No. 2006-739, dated 28 June 2006;
The 2015 Energy Transition for GreenGrowth Act No. 2015-992, dated 17 August 2015.
To a large extent, all these acts arecurrently codified in the Environment Code. They are supplemented byimplementing decrees and ministerial orders, along with regulations andrecommendation guidelines issued by ASN.
Article L. 593-25 of the EnvironmentCode, subsequent to the Act 2015-992 of 17 August 2015, states that thelicensee shall proceed to the dismantling of a permanently shut down BNI in atimeframe as short as possible, under economically acceptable conditions, andwith respect of environmental protection principles of the Environment Code andradioprotection principles set by the Public Health Safety Code.
Article L. 593-28 of the EnvironmentCode states that decommissioning of a nuclear facility must be prescribed by adecree, issued on the advice of ASN. The decommissioning file presented by thelicensee undergoes the same consultations and inquiries as those applicable toa nuclear facility creation authorization application and in accordance withthe same procedures. The decommissioning decree in particular determines thecharacteristics of dismantling, its completion deadline and, as necessary, theoperations under the responsibility of the licensee after completion ofdecommissioning.
The licensing process fordecommissioning is regulated by Articles R. 593-67 to R. 593-75 of theEnvironment Code. Moreover, in accordance with these requirements, operators mustdraw up a decommissioning plan that sets out the main steps of the dismantlingand justify that the period between the final shutdown and the dismantlingoperations is as short as possible.
The Order of 7 February 2012 providesadditional provisions applicable to the decommissioning related aspects (e.g.decommissioning plan, end state, human and organizational factors). In itsapplication file, the licensee must provide the latest update of thedecommissioning plan, including the technical steps and the planned schedule.After completion of the decommissioning actions and the cleanup of the site,the nuclear facility may be delicensed. Should residual waste remain on thesite, the former nuclear site may still be covered by some restrictions of use,after a public consultation.
It should also be noted that periodicsafety reviews are to be done in France for permanently shut down BNIs. Theconclusions of the periodic safety review are currently subject of attentiveexaminations tailored to the risks and inconveniences these installationsrepresent.
As a help for operators or dismantlers,a set of guides reinforces the French legal and regulatory framework ondecommissioning. These guides are available on the website:http://www.french-nuclear-safety.fr/References/ASN-Guides-non-binding.
Furthermore, the French National Planfor the Management of Radioactive Materials and Waste (PNGMDR), prescribed bythe Act 2006-739 of 28 June 2006, is an important tool to improve radioactivewaste management. It is issued by the Ministry in charge of energy andimplemented by the Ministry and the ASN with the participation of a pluralisticsteering committee comprising more specifically producers of radioactive waste,licensees of the facilities managing this waste, the assessment and oversightauthorities and environmental protection associations and is updated every fiveyears since a recent change in legal framework under the Act 2020-1525 of 7December 2020.
The main objectives of the PNGMDR areto:
draw up the inventory of the existingradioactive material and waste management methods and the chosen technicalsolutions;
· identify the foreseeable needs for storage or disposalfacilities and specify their required capacities and the storage durations;
· set the general targets, the main deadlines and theschedules enabling these deadlines to be met while taking into account thepriorities it defines;
· determine the targets to meet for radioactive waste forwhich there is as yet no final management solution;
· organize research and studies related to the managementof radioactive materials and wastes, by setting deadlines for theimplementation of new management modes, the creation of facilities or themodification of existing facilities.
The fourth edition of the PNGMDR was publishedFebruary 2017. The fifth edition of the PNGMDR was subject to publicconsultation in June 2022 and it is expected to be released in 2022.
In addition to this general descriptionof France's regulations related to decommissioning and waste management, thesystem set up by France for financing the decommissioning of BNIs and managingthe spent fuel and radioactive waste produced by these installations is basedon the entire financial responsibility of the licensees, under the control ofadministrative authority with enforcement and sanction powers. This system isdefined by Articles L. 594-1 to L. 594-14 and D. 594-1 to D. 594-18 of theEnvironment Code, by the Order of 21 March 2007 concerning the securing offinancing of nuclear costs, as well as by the French accounting standards. Thelicensees shall make an evaluation of corresponding costs (the nuclear costs ),book provisions accordingly and cover these provisions by dedicated assets (thecovering assets ). The realizable value of covering assets shall be at leastequal to the amount of these provisions, except for those linked to theoperating cycle.
TABLE 6. STATUS OF DECOMMISSIONINGPROCESS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
| Reactor name | Shutdown date | Shutdown reason | Decom. strategy | Current decom. phase | Current fuel management phase | Decom. licensee | Licence terminated |
| BUGEY-1 | May-1994 | Obsolescent, Economic case no longer viable | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | Dismantling | - | EDF | - |
| CHINON A-1 | Apr-1973 | Obsolescent, Economic case no longer viable | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | Dismantling | - | EDF | - |
| CHINON A-2 | Jun-1985 | Obsolescent, Economic case no longer viable | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | Dismantling | - | EDF | - |
| CHINON A-3 | Jun-1990 | Obsolescent, Economic case no longer viable | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | Dismantling | - | EDF | - |
| CHOOZ-A (ARDENNES) | Oct-1991 | End of Life | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | - | - | SENA | - |
| EL-4 (MONTS D'ARREE) | Jul-1985 | Obsolescent, Economic case no longer viable | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | - | - | EDF | - |
| PHENIX | Feb-2022 | End of Life | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | - | - | - | - |
ST. LAURENT A-1 | Apr-1990 | Obsolescent, Economic case no longer viable | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | - | - | EDF | - |
| ST. LAURENT A-2 | May-1992 | Obsolescent, Economic case no longer viable | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | - | - | EDF | - |
| SUPER-PHENIX | Dec-1998 | Political decision | Immediate dismantling & removal of all radioactive material | Dismantling | AFR-RS (Dry Storage) | NERSA | 2026 |
Source: IAEA Power Reactor InformationSystem (PRIS).
2.3. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER SECTOR
2.3.1. Nuclear power development strategy
France has defined ambitious nationalmedium and long-term targets for its energy transition thanks to its EnergyTransition Law for Green Growth (LTECV published in 2015), complemented by theClimate Energy Law (LEC published in 2019). The French climate and energystrategy aims at completing the legal objectives (LEC) and is formalizedthrough two complementary documents, which are the Multiannual Energy Plan(PPE) 2019-2028 and the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC). The Frenchtrajectory in terms of energy and climate policy is subject to a regularlyrevised framework. Work based on broad consultation has been ongoing sinceAutumn 2021 with a view to developing the French energy and climate strategy,particularly for the 2024-2028 period. New updates will follow in 2023 toprepare the 2024-2033 PPE.
The majority of the 56 nuclear reactorsin EDF's current fleet have reached or will reach 40 years of operation withinthe next 15 years. Each reactor has to undergo a periodic and comprehensivesafety review every 10 years to continue operation.
On 10 February 2022, in view of the verysignificant increase in electricity needs by 2050 highlighted by a report ofRTE published in November 2021, the French President stated that he did notwant any nuclear reactor in a capacity of production to be shut down in thenear future unless safety reasons dictated otherwise. He asked EDF to study theconditions for operation beyond 50 years, in relation with the nuclear safetyauthority.
EDF has also been working for severalyears on an industrial program to build three pairs of EPR2s in France. Basedon this work, a report from the Government on the factors for a New NuclearPower Program has been published on 1 February 2022.
The following points will be taken intoaccount for the evolution of nuclear power in France in the future:
Evolution of power consumption and levelof electricity exports driven by higher use of low carbon electricity andprogress in energy efficiency;
Development of renewable energy and thecapacity to sustain a low carbon energy mix;
Decisions of the ASN regarding long termoperation of current power plants;
The commissioning of the Flamanville EPRreactor;
The optimization of the EPR reactordesign, basis for the next fleet of nuclear reactors;
EDF and the nuclear industry havestarted the design of the EPR2 reactor. In February 2022, the French Presidentexpressed his wish that six EPR2s to be built and studies be initiated for theconstruction of eight additional EPR2s.
In addition to the EPRs, the Frenchgovernment plans a public support of 1 billion to develop small modularreactors and innovative reactors to close the fuel cycle and produce less wasteincluding. Around 500 million will be dedicated to the NUWARD SMR projectdeveloped by EDF and its partners in order to accelerate its deployment andstart the construction of a first unit by 2030 and 500 million to acceleratethe maturation process of projects, to be selected, on innovative reactors andto enable the emergence of new actors.
Along with this development strategy,France has a policy of nuclear fuel management focused on the recycling ofuranium oxide spent fuel into MOX fuel, currently used in 22 reactors with acapacity of 900 MW(e). The PPE also reaffirms France's commitment to the fullclosed fuel cycle strategy as a long-term objective and asks for thedevelopment of studies on the possible deployment of nuclear fuelmulti-recycling in PWR reactors.
For radioactive waste management,different solutions are outlined in the PNGMDR. In particular, very low-levelwaste and low and intermediate level short lived waste are stored in repositorysites. A deep geological repository project (CIGEO) for high and intermediatelevel long lived waste is currently under way. ANDRA is developing solutionsfor the disposal of low level long lived waste (LL-LLW), for which there iscurrently no evacuation route. While not accepted in surface-based storagefacilities because of its long-lived radionuclide activity,ehe low specificactivity of LL-LLW does not justify storage at 500 m depth in CIGEO.
2.3.2. Project management
The main projects that are ongoing aremanaged by the relevant nuclear actors:
CEA for the Jules Horowitz Reactor (JHR)(see Section 2.8.2) and the research programme on fourth generation reactors;
ANDRA for CIGEO;
EDF for the construction of FlamanvilleEPR reactor, the lead of the industrial Grand Car nage program (see Section2.3.3), the maturation of the conception of EPR2 and Nuward SMR project and theexport projects.
2.3.3. Project funding
From 2014 to 2025, significantmaintenance operations on France's nuclear fleet are planned in order to securethe best conditions of nuclear safety (including integration of post-accidentat the Fukushima Daiichi NPP modifications) and improve on environmental safetyand protection. The Grand Car nage industrial programme for long term operationaims to involve the nuclear power sector in the short term in refurbishing theentire nuclear fleet, while enhancing reactor safety, for 49.4 billion (2020rate). This programme covers both normal maintenance investments andinvestments relating to the project (replacement of some key elements likesteam generators). In the short term, EDF aims to complete major industrial projects,such as the Flamanville-3 EPR reactor representing 12 billion of investments todate.
JHR and the research programme on fourthgeneration reactors are funded partly by state subsidies and large investmentprogrammes, such as the Programme d Investissements d Avenir. The CIGEO projectis also supported by subsidies, as well as local taxes coming from wastemanagement and storage. The comprehensive report to support the decision tobuild new nuclear reactors includes a chapter on the financial model.
2.3.4. Electric grid development
No additional information provided.
2.3.5. Sites
See Section 2.2.1.
2.3.6. Public awareness
Society continues to call for moredialogue and public communication in regard to projects that may impact theenvironment. The EDF group organizes and engages in transparent and inclusivedialogue during the lifetime of its NPPs and consultation for each new project,all while observing the best international standards.
The challenge is to facilitatesystematic dialogue and consultation in proportion to the implications ofrelated projects, including practices to do the following:
· Identify stakeholders;
· Initiate consultation early;
· Provide stakeholders with transparent access to clearinformation on the project;
· Gather opinions and deal with suggestions and complaints;
· Encourage the participation of local residents in theconsultation process.
For the revision of the PPE, a publicdebate took place over three months to allow citizens access to reliable andcomprehensive information about the energy policy in the coming years and tooffer contributions to the general discussion among all the stakeholders. Inpreparation of the next Energy and Climate Programming Act that should updatethe LECTV in 2023, a large consultation will precede EDF's first consultationson its EPR2 projects and will concern the future of the electrical mix until2050.
2.4. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION OF NPPs
France's nuclear industry is a keyeconomic sector, which represents 6.7% of the job market (220 000 people) for 2600 companies and a turnover of 50 billion per year. The following majorcompanies, in particular, are involved in the construction of nuclear powerplants:
· Reactor engineering: EDF, Framatome and Edvance;
· Civil engineering: Bouygues, Vinci, Eiffage;
· Heavy components (reactor pressure vessels, pressurizers,reactor coolant pumps, and steam generators): Framatome;
· Turbines and alternators: GE Power;
· Components of the cooling heating system: Vallourec,Velan;
· Instrumentation and control systems: Framatome
· Maintenance: Endel, Onet, Clemessy, Spie, Framatome.
The construction of a new nuclearreactor follows a specific regulatory procedure; first, the project developersubmits a request to the Government for the creation of a nuclear facility.However, prior to this request (referred to as a DAC), a public debate has tobe carried out and launched by the dedicated commission and authority. Thisdebate allows anyone to give opinions on the project. A report containingpotential modifications to the project is then published.
Once the public debate has taken place,the project developer may submit the DAC. The request must include a riskstudy, an environmental impact assessment, a preliminary safety report, apublic debate report and engineering and financial plans. Over a three yearperiod, the DAC must face different stages: a public investigation within theterritories which are likely to be involved with the project (led by theprefect and the local authorities), a technical assessment by ASN with thesupport of IRSN and senior expert groups, an assessment of compliance with theEuratom treaty on radioactive releases and an environmental assessment.
At the end of this period, theGovernment can authorize or reject the creation of the new installation. Ifauthorized, the creation of the new reactor is approved with an act signed bythe prime minister. Apart from the DAC, new construction sites must also obtainany specific authorization related to the construction site (constructionpermit, regulations on water use, etc.).
2.5. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN OPERATION OF NPPs
In France, all existing nuclear powerplant used for electricity generation are operated by EDF, the state ownedutility. EDF was nationalized in 1946 along with the national coal, oil and gascompanies and became a limited liability company in November 2004. In October2005, a public service contract was signed between the Government and EDFsetting forth the terms and conditions for the implementation of its publicservice mission. As of 2018, the State holds 83.7% of EDF's shares and appointsEDF's chief executive officer.
EDF operates not only nuclear powerplants, but also hydropower, wind power and solar power stations as well asfossil fuel fired power plants.
According to the law on themodernization and the development of the public service for electricity(implemented in 2000), any operation of a new installation generatingelectricity is subject to authorization by the Ministry of Energy.
During its operation, a reactor issubject to oversight by ASN and to comprehensive safety reviews every 10 years.
2.6. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN DECOMMISSIONING OF NPPs
Following its policy to continuouslyimprove its technical and financial mastery all along the entire nuclear lifecycle, EDF group, in 2021, did strengthen its engineering and industrialcapacities.
This has been emphasized by thecontinuous development of the several branches of Cyclife (EDF Holding),devoted to nuclear back end and directly attached to EDF specializedDirectorate DP2D (Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste management ProjectsDirectorate). Hence, in 2021 a new subsidiary has been created in Germany aswell as some new partnerships and developments have been officialized: Acquisitionof complementary Back-end Engineering in UK while in France, new wastetreatment (based on vitrification) process and new digital capacities wereembedded within EDF Group.
Such combination of genuine DP2D forcescoupled with the components of Cyclife Holding are to continuously improve thewhole EDF group to assuming its responsibility of nuclear owner/operator. Thesedevelopments and increase of industrial capacities are to enrich EDF experienceand associated knowledge with international references and sharing ofmethodologies. This reinforcement is to allow EDF as worldwide nuclear operatorto mainly rely on its own resources and means. The resulting internalcapitalization of feedback in decommissioning is beneficial internally as wellas to EDF group's partners who ask for its services following the sameprinciples:
· Mastering, in safe conditions, D&D costs and delays,
· Mutualizing tools, processes and skills over all itsfleet,
· Managing uncertainties of the delivery of the devotedgraphite disposal, or of unexpected situations that could inevitably occurwhile decommissioning of facilities which were not originally especiallydesigned with today's considerations.
This EDF strategy has been continuouslyapplied to the 11 already shut down French reactors, being under decommissioningin parallel whereas they are spread over seven different sites and are of fourdifferent nuclear technologies (GCRs, PWRs, fast breeder reactors, heavy waterreactors).
2.7. FUEL CYCLE INCLUDING WASTE MANAGEMENT
The following table lists fuel cycle activitiesand organizations.
| Activities | Organization |
| Mining | Orano Mining |
| Uranium conversion | Orano Cycle |
| Uranium enrichment | Orano Cycle |
| Uranium fuel fabrication | Framatome |
| Reprocessing of radioactive waste | Orano Cycle |
| MOX fuel fabrication | Orano Cycle |
| Interim storage of spent fuel | EDF and Orano Cycle |
| Disposal of radioactive waste | Andra |
Orano (previously AREVA NC and COGEMA)controls most of the fuel cycle industry, with the exceptions of uranium oxidefuel manufacturing (Framatome) and radioactive waste disposal, run by theindependent public agency ANDRA. Orano is an industrial and commercial leaderin all phases of the fuel cycle, including prospecting and running of uraniummines, conversion (Philippe Coste), enrichment (George Besse II), MOX fuel fabrication(Melox), reprocessing, waste management, nuclear transportation, packaging andinterim storage.
Orano offers products, technologies andservices throughout the entire nuclear fuel cycle. From raw materials todecommissioning and waste management (see Section 2.6), its activitiesencompass uranium mining, chemistry, enrichment, used fuel recycling,logistics, dismantling and engineering services.
Orano Mining is a uranium leader, adiversified producer operating five sites on three continents. All forms ofconcentrate, from all origins, are then processed into UF6 at Philippe Costebefore further transformation at the Georges Besse II enrichment facilitylocated on the same industrial platform. Orano holds a 50% interest in theEnrichment Technology Company (ETC). ETC manufactures the centrifuges used foruranium enrichment. Orano facilities at La Hague and Melox are the worldwidereference for used fuel recycling and final waste conditioning. Orano offersreliable used fuel interim storage solution and the reference in transportationsolution for nuclear materials and waste.
The fuel assembly design activities, forboth UOX and MOX fuels, as well as UOX fuel fabrication activities in Franceare consolidated within the Framatome company (former AREVA NP). As previouslymentioned, Orano Melox manufactures MOX fuel for NPPs.
Framatome develops, designs, licensesand fabricates fuel assemblies and core components for all types of light waterpower reactors globally.
Framatome masters the design, developmentand manufacturing of innovative, safe and ever more efficient fuels for itscustomers around the world. Framatome's advanced technologies and innovativesolutions guarantee the improvement of the safe operation and performance ofnuclear power production assets, with fuel solutions now including even moreaccident-tolerant fuel (PROtect EATF) under development. Framatome's leadingposition in the field of ATF is recognized through both the various worldfirsts achieved in recent years (first material solutions tested in powerreactor, first irradiated long pencils and first assembly completely equippedwith chromium coated pencils loaded in a PWR), as well as the excellent resultsobtained in reactor. Finally, Framatome's expertise and services also includethe development of state-of-the-art codes and methods for the design andjustification of fuel assemblies and cores, as well as licensing.
Framatome manufactures uranium oxidefuel for NPPs in its Romans site and is also fully integrated along the zirconiumand fuel components supply chain, with several production sites in France andacross Europe.
In addition, Framatome performs specificdevelopments and manufactures fuel elements for research centers anduniversities operating research reactors, covering a wide range oftechnologies, through its Cerca business line located at its Romans site.
Radioactive waste management anddisposal are headed by the independent public agency ANDRA.
2.8. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
2.8.1. R&D organizations
In 1945, the French government created anational agency, CEA, to oversee the development of all aspects of atomicenergy, including both civil and military applications. Although itsresponsibilities evolved over time, particularly with the transfer of someindustrial activities to newly created subsidiaries, CEA has retained most ofits early activities and interests in medium and long term R&D, notably inreactor design, fuel concepts, enrichment, spent fuel reprocessing, wastemanagement and disposal, as well as in technology transfer and fundamentalresearch.
In 2010, CEA's name was changed tobetter reflect the areas of research and development conducted for many yearsin the field of low carbon energy: nuclear, but also solar, hydrogengeneration, fuel cells, electricity storage, housing and transport, andtransformation of biomass into biofuels. CEA now refers to the Commissariatleenergie atomique et aux Energies alternatives (Alternative Energies andAtomic Energy Commission) to be more inclusive of alternative and renewableenergy types. In 2020, the former Nuclear Energy Division was transformed inthe Energy Division, to better reflect this move towards an integrated approachof the whole energy system.
2.8.2. Development of advanced nuclear power technologies
France is a founding member of the GIF(Generation IV International Forum), where collaborative R&D explorespromising technologies for future nuclear energy systems, addressing issues ofenhanced safety, sustainability, non-proliferation and economics. France'sparticipation in GIF activities takes place through the CEA, which acts as thenational implementing agent, and focuses on four of the six GIF systems: sodiumfast reactors (SFRs), gas fast reactors, very high temperature reactors andmolten salt reactors (MSRs). For MSR research, the national contact point isthe National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).
France has given priority to thedevelopment of sodium cooled fast reactor technology, on which it has alreadyacquired substantial experience and know-how. Until the end of 2019, R&Dactivities in this domain took place within the Astrid demonstration project,aiming to qualify design options for a future commercial SFR that fulfilsfourth generation objectives and to qualify the multiple recycling of plutoniumat an industrial level, and different fuel subassemblies for plutonium burningand transmutation (in case of a future decision from the Government of France).The CEA developed this project within the framework of the French 2006 Nuclear WasteAct. Many industrial and international partners are part of the project forimproved cooperation.
It is now considered that fast-neutronsreactors will not be necessary in the short and medium term, so R&D effortson the closure of the fuel cycle, which encompass the R&D on the associatedreactor technology, have been adjusted to take into account this more distantperspective. CEA will maintain a strong R&D programme on sodium cooled fastreactor technology and, for the short and medium term, focus on the developmentof simulation capabilities and experimental tests in existing fast-neutronreactors. However, the design of a demonstration reactor will not be pursued inthe short term.
The gas cooled fast reactor isidentified as the alternative long term technology. There is a greater aim todemonstrate its feasibility, and CEA is associated with a Europeancollaborative project lead by the V4G4 consortium to pursue possible deploymentin the longer term.
French nuclear R&D and industrialorganizations are also involved in the European Sustainable Nuclear EnergyResearch Technological Platform, covering second and third generation R&D,fourth generation fast neutron technologies and industrial nuclearcogeneration.
The construction of JHR, CEA's new experimentalmaterial testing reactor (100 MW(th)), is underway in Cadarache. Partly fundedthrough an international consortium with 14 partners, it will be aninternational research tool focused on the enhancement of safety and theimprovement of operation of industrial NPPs, but JHR will also be used fornuclear medicine. In particular, it will supply hospitals with short livedradioisotopes used for medical imaging or therapeutic purposes. Following amajor reorganization of the project in 2020, a roadmap is being followed untilthe end of 2023 that will allow the JHR project to present to the FrenchGovernment a stabilized plan during the second semester of 2023. It is alreadyacknowledged that the start-up of the reactor will be postponed to thebeginning of the next decade.
In June 2005, the site of Cadarache inFrance was officially chosen to welcome the International ThermonuclearExperimental Reactor (ITER), and construction started in 2010. In November2016, the ITER Council endorsed the overall project schedule, which identifiesDecember 2025 as the earliest technically achievable date for first plasma and2035 as the start of deuteriumeritium operation.
2.8.3. International cooperation and initiatives
France is a member of severalinternational organizations, including the IAEA and the Nuclear Energy Agency(NEA) of the OECD. It participates in other bilateral and multilateralorganizations such as the World Association of Nuclear Operators, with EDF andOrano as members.
As mentioned above, France is also afounding member of the GIF, the international forum of 13 countries (inaddition to Euratom) set up to carry out the R&D needed to establish thefeasibility and performance capabilities of the next generation nuclear energysystems.
France also participates in theInternational Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, an international forumfor cooperation among participating states to explore mutually beneficialapproaches to ensure that the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposesproceeds in a manner that is efficient and meets the highest standards ofsafety, security and non-proliferation.
2.9. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
The National Institute for NuclearScience and Technology (Institut national des sciences et des techniquesnucléaires) was created in 1956 by the CEA under the authority of the HigherEducation Ministry, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Industry. Itsmain mission is to transmit knowledge and know-how developed by the CEA andindustrial partners, thereby supporting the growth of the nuclear industry bydeveloping human resources required by research and industry, at any level ofqualification, from operator to researcher. It supports and awards academicdiplomas (e.g. master’s degrees) and engineer diplomas and welcomes PhDstudents, all in addition to offering continuous training for professionals. Itis ISO 2001 certified and is a member of the European Nuclear EducationNetwork.
The International Institute of NuclearEnergy is a consortium that gathers all of France’s players involved in nucleareducation and training and was created in 2010. Its mission is to provide toforeign partners of France the best training solutions for education andtraining programmes in nuclear power and allow them to benefit from the Frenchexpertise in human capacity building.
2.10. STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT
France's statutory stakeholders have hada long tradition of stakeholder involvement. Since 2006, common practicetransitioned to become mandatory by law (see Section 2.4). The Act onTransparency and Security in the Nuclear Field establishes a local committee ofinformation at every nuclear plant, which gathers different stakeholders(elected officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, medicalrepresentatives, qualified persons) and guarantees that the public at large hasaccess to relevant information. It has evolved over the years to take intoaccount new methods of communication, namely through social media. Stakeholderinvolvement is considered a cornerstone of French nuclear activities, fromproject development through waste management and decommissioning.
2.11. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergency and contingency plansconcerning basic nuclear installations (BNIs)
The emergency plans in case of accidentsoccurring in a BNI define the measures necessary to protect site personnel, thegeneral public and the environment, and to control any potential accident.
The on-site emergency plan, prepared bythe licensee, is designed to restore the plant to a safe condition and mitigatethe consequences of an accident. It defines the organizational actions and theresources to be implemented on the site. It also comprises arrangements forinforming the public authorities rapidly. The licensee's obligations in termsof preparedness and management of emergency situations are determined by theOrder of 7 February 2012 setting the general rules for BNIs (Title VII). Theseobligations are completed by the ASN resolution n -2017-DC-0592.
Following several stress tests in 2012,ASN prescribed the deployment of both the Nuclear Rapid Intervention Force byEDF and the National Intervention Force by Orano. This national emergencysystem comprises specialized teams and equipment capable of intervening at anaccidented site within 24 hours.
The off-site emergency plan (PPI) isestablished by the prefect of the department concerned. PPIs are established toprotect the populations, property and the environment, and to cope with thespecific risks associated with the existence of structures and facilities whoseperimeter is localized and fixed. They implement the orientations of civilprotection policy in terms of mobilization of resources, information, alert,exercises and training.
In 2016, the French government increasedthe range of the off-site emergency plans from 10 km to 20 km around NPPs,following the Herca-Wenra European approach. This will allow for betterpreparation of the populations concerned (towns and public establishments, withschools in particular being prepared to face a potential accident or nuclearrisk) and for better coordination with neighboring countries. In addition,stable iodine tablets are pre-distributed in this perimeter.
National response organization
In an emergency situation, theresponsibilities of ASN, with the support of IRSN, are as follows:
· To ensure steps taken by the licensee are pertinent androbust;
· To advise the Government and its local representatives;
· To contribute to the dissemination of information;
· To act as competent authority within the framework of theinternational Conventions on Early Notification and Assistance.
In the event of a severe accident, anInterministerial Crisis Committee is prepared to intervene. The relevantministries concerned, together with ASN, work together to advise both the prefectat the local level and the Government, via the committee, on protectivemeasures to be taken. They provide the information and advice necessary toassess the state of the facility, the seriousness of the incident or accident,its possible development, and the measures required to protect the generalpublic and the environment.
In an emergency situation, severalparties have the authority to take decisions in the local responseorganization:
· The licensee of the affected nuclear facilities deploysthe response organization and the resources defined in its on-site emergencyplan.
· One of ASN's duties is to monitor the licensee's actionsin terms of nuclear safety and radiation protection. In an emergency situation,aided by IRSN's assessments, it can at any time ask the licensee to performassessments and take the necessary actions.
· The prefect of the department in which the installationis located takes the necessary decisions to protect the population, theenvironment and the property threatened by the accident. He or she takes actionaccording to the PPI and the ORSEC plans. The prefect is thus responsible forcoordinating the resources both public and private, human and material deployedin the plan. He or she keeps the population and the mayors informed of events.Through its regional division, ASN assists the prefect in drafting the plansand managing the situation.
In the event of a severe accident, anumber of preventive measures can be envisaged by the prefect in order toprotect the general public:
Sheltering and listening: Theindividuals concerned, alerted by a siren, take shelter at home or in abuilding, with all openings carefully closed, and wait for instructions fromthe prefect broadcast by radio.
Administration of stable iodine tablets:When ordered by the prefect, the individuals liable to be exposed to releasesof radioactive iodine are urged to take the prescribed dose of potassium iodidetablets.
Evacuation: In the event of an imminentrisk of large scale radioactive releases, the prefect may order evacuation.
The populations concerned are asked toprepare a bag of essential personal effects, secure and leave their homes andgo to the nearest assembly point.
If radioactive substances are actuallyreleased into the environment, management of the post-accident phase isdependent on the zone:
· A population protection zone is established within whichaction is required to reduce both the exposure of the population to ambientradioactivity and the consumption of contaminated food to a level that is aslow as reasonably achievable.
· A heightened territorial surveillance zone, which islarger and more concerned with economic management, within which specificsurveillance of foodstuffs and agricultural produce will be arranged.
· If necessary, an evacuation perimeter is created withinthe population protection zone, defined according to the ambient radioactivity(external exposure). The residents must be evacuated for a varying length oftime, depending on the level of exposure in their environment.
In 2016, ASN supervised a new nationaldistribution campaign for iodine tablets, launched for the populations locatedwithin the zone covered by the PPIs around the NPPs operated by EDF. Thepurpose of this distribution is to achieve overall population coverage that isas high as possible, but also to raise awareness among the population and thelocal authorities (mayors) regarding the potential risks and instructions to befollowed as and when necessary, through specific communication media and localinformation meetings. Outside the zone covered by a PPI, tablets are stockpiledto cover the rest of the country.
Controlling urban development aroundnuclear sites
In recent years, urban developmentpressure in the vicinity of nuclear sites has increased. Therefore, it isimportant to incorporate the control of urban development into the managementof the nuclear risk. ASN's current doctrine for controlling activities aroundnuclear facilities only concerns those facilities requiring a PPI, andprimarily aims to avoid compromising sheltering and evacuation measures. Itfocuses on the reflex zones of the PPIs, or the rapid development hazard zones,in which automatic measures to protect the general public are taken in theevent of a rapidly developing accident.
A guide was published in 2016 concerningthe control of activities around BNIs, based on the following principles:
· To preserve the operability of the contingency plans;
· To favour urban development outside the rapid developmenthazard zone;
· To allow controlled development that meets the needs ofthe resident population.
Learning from experience by carrying outexercises
The main aim of these nuclear andradiological emergency exercises is to test the planned response in the eventof a radiological emergency in order to do the following:
· Ensure that the plans are kept up to date, that they arewell known to those in charge and to the participants at all levels and thatthe corresponding alert and coordination procedures are effective;
· Train those who would be involved in such a situation;
· Implement the various organizational aspects and theprocedures stipulated in the interministerial directives, the emergencyresponse plans, the local safeguard plans and the various conventions;
· Develop a general public information approach so thateveryone can make a more effective contribution to civil protection.
These exercises, which are the subjectof an annual interministerial circular, involve the licensee, the ministries,the offices of the prefect and services of the departments, ASN, ASND (Defensenuclear regulator), IRSN and Me o-France. They aim to test the effectiveness ofthe provisions made for assessing the situation, bringing the installation orthe package to a safe condition, taking appropriate measures to protect thegeneral public and ensuring satisfactory communication with the media and thepopulations concerned. At the same time, the exercises are a mean for testingthe arrangements for alerting the national and international organizations.
The performance of a national nuclearand radiological emergency exercise, at maximum intervals of five years on thenuclear sites covered by a PPI, would seem to be a fair compromise between thetraining of individuals and the time needed to effect changes to organizations.
The exercises enable those involved tobuild on knowledge and experience in the management of emergency situations, inparticular for the 300 or so persons mobilized in the field for each exercise.
The exercises, as well as the real situationsthat occurred, demonstrated the importance of communication in an emergencysituation, in particular to inform the public and foreign regulatorssufficiently early and avoid the spread of rumours, whether in France orabroad.
Evaluation meetings are organizedimmediately after each exercise in each emergency centre and at ASN a few weeksafter the exercise.
3. NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
3.1. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
3.1.1. Regulatory authority(s)
Nuclear legislation in France wasdeveloped in successive stages alongside technological advances and growth inthe atomic energy field. Therefore, many of the enactments governing nuclearactivities are to be found in the general French legislation on environmentalprotection, public health and labour.
However, the French Parliament alsoadopted a number of specific enactments. Examples include Act No. 68-493 (30October 1968), now embodied in the Environmental Code, setting special rules asto third party liability in the field of nuclear energy, which is distinct fromthe ordinary French law on third party liability; Act No. 91-1381 on themanagement of nuclear waste and Act No. 2006-686 on transparency and security,adopted in 2006, now mostly embodied in the Environmental Code.
Although French nuclear law ischaracterized by its variety of sources, as in other countries with nuclearenergy capacities, the original features of this legislation derive chieflyfrom international recommendations or regulations. For example, radiationprotection standards are derived from the recommendations of the InternationalCommission on Radiological Protection and directives issued by the EuropeanAtomic Energy Community or Euratom (formerly the European Community). Likewise,the French provisions on the liability of nuclear operators are directlyderived from the Paris Convention of 29 July 1960.
French nuclear legislation began todevelop from the time the CEA no longer held a monopoly over nuclear activitiesand when new nuclear operators entered the industrial stage. This developmentpassed several landmarks: an authorization requirement for major nuclearinstallations was introduced, setting Government responsibility in matters ofpopulation and occupational safety (Decree of 11 December 1963). Prior to this,procedures concerning the licensing and control of industrial activities weredealt with by the prefect of each department. In 1973, this system was expandedto cover the development of the nuclear power programme, and better define therole of Government authorities. Finally, the decree of 20 June 1966 includedEuratom directives as part of the French radiation protection regulations.
In June 2006, Act No. 2006-686 ontransparency and security created the ASN. It is an independent administrativeagency headed by five members designated by the President of the Republic andthe presidents of the two parliamentary assemblies. The agency is consultedbefore decisions concerning nuclear safety, nuclear security and radioprotectionare taken by decrees. It can also complete the legislation on technicalmatters, but its decisions may be approved by the ministers in charge of thesequestions. The ASN is also responsible for the following:
· Organizing and directing the control of nuclearinstallations (designation of inspectors, delivery of permits, etc.);
· Monitoring radioprotection over national territory;
· Proposing and organizing public information, especiallyon nuclear safety;
· Establishing the procedures for licensing large nuclearinstallations (licences for setting up, commissioning, disposal, shutdown,etc.);
· Helping manage the emergency situation in the event of anaccident involving radioactive exposure.
Act No. 2006-686 on transparency andsecurity also clarified the responsibilities of the Government and the ASN inthe fields of nuclear safety and radiation protection. The Government makes thegeneral regulations in terms of nuclear safety and radioprotection, such as BNInomenclature decrees, BNI procedural decrees or BNI orders (embodied in theEnvironmental Code since 1 April 2019), but also specific creationauthorization decrees, significant modification decrees or decrees fordefinitive shutdown and dismantlement of BNIs.
The body with these responsibilities inthe Ministry for Energy Transition is the Mission for Nuclear Safety and RadiationProtection.
3.1.2. Licensing process
First, the Government commissions theASN to examine requests for permission to create or decommission nuclearinstallations, use MOX fuel or other major change to the operation of theinstallations. The ASN makes recommendations to the Government on the decreesin these areas. After this obligatory step, the Government concludes with thepublication of the relevant decree, formalizing authorization.
3.2. NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN NUCLEAR POWER
Organizational provisions
Ministry for an Ecological Transitionand Territories Cohesion and Ministry for Energy Transition
· General Directorate for Energy and Climate (DGEC).
· DGPR/Mission for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.
· Decree No. 2008-680 of 9 July 2008, as amended, on theorganization of the central administration of the Ministry of Ecology, Energy,Sustainable Development and Territorial Planning.
· Ordinance of 9 July 2008, as amended, on the organizationof the central administration of the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, SustainableDevelopment and Territorial Planning. Alternative Energies and Atomic EnergyCommission Commissariat leenergie atomique et aux Energies alternatives (CEA)
· Code of Research, Legislative Part, Book III, Title III,Chapter II Articles L. 332-1 to L. 332-7 (Alternative Energies and AtomicEnergy Commission).
· Act No. 2010-237 of 9 March 2010: New name for the CEA,as Commissariat leenergie atomique et aux Energies alternatives (AlternativeEnergies and Atomic Energy Commission).
· Decree No. 2016-311 of 17 March 2016, as amended, on theorganization and functioning of the CEA. Nuclear Safety Authority Autorit de sret nucl aire (ASN)
· Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IX,Chapter II Articles L. 592-1 to L. 592-49.
· Environmental Code, Regulatory Part, Book V, Title IX,Chapter II Articles R. 592-1 to R. 592-38. Institute for Radiation Protectionand Nuclear Safety Institut de radioprotection et de s ret nucl aire (IRSN)
· Act No. 2001-398 of 9 May 2001 establishing the Frenchenvironmental safety agency (Article 5 creating the Institute for RadiationProtection and Nuclear Safety).
· Environmental Code, Regulatory Part, Book V, Title IX,Chapter II Articles R. 592-39 to R. 592-61. National Radioactive WasteManagement Agency Agence nationale pour la gestion des d chets radioactifs(ANDRA)
· Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IV,Chapter II, Article L. 542-12.
· Environmental Code, Regulatory Part, Book V, Title IV,Chapter II, Section 1 Articles R. 542-1 to R. 542-19. Organization in the fieldof defence
· Defence Code, Regulatory Part, Part 1, Book I, Title III,Chapter II, Section 1 Articles R.* 1132-1 to D. 1132-8.
· Defence Code, Regulatory Part, Part 1, Book III, TitleIII, Chapter III, Section 2 bis: Articles R.* 1333-67-5 to R.* 1333-67-10.
· Defence Code, Regulatory Part, Part 1, Book III, TitleIII, Chapter III, Section 3: Article
D. 1333-68 and D. 1333-69.
· Decree No. 2009-1180 of 5 October 2009, as amended,determining the competence and the organization of the General Delegation forArmament (DGA).
Regulatory provisions for nuclearinstallations
· Basic nuclear installations (installations nucl aires debase INB)
· Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IX,Chapter III Articles L. 593-1 to L. 596-14.
Environmental Code, Regulatory Part,Book V, Title IX, Chapter III: Articles R. 593-1 to R. 593-1234.
Ministerial order of 7 February 2012laying down general rules for the basic nuclear installations. Installationsclassified on environmental protection grounds (installations classees pour laprotection de leenvironnement ICPE)
· Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IArticles L. 511-1 to L. 517-2.
· Environmental Code, Regulatory Part, Book V, Title IArticles R. 511-9 to R. 517-10.
Electricity public utility
· Energy Code, Legislative Part, Book III: Provisions onelectricity Articles
L. 311-1 to L. 363-13.
· Energy Code, Regulatory Part, Book III: Provisions onelectricity Articles
L. 311-1 to L. 363-13.
Regulatory regime for nuclear pressureequipment
· Environmental Code, Regulatory Part, Book V, Title V,Chapter VII, Sections 12 and 14 Articles R. 557-12-1 to R. 557-14-8.
· Ministerial order of November 10, 1999, relating toin-service surveillance of the primary circuit and of the main secondary circuitof pressurized water reactors
· Ministerial order of December 30, 2015, so-called eeSPNOrder , pertaining to nuclear pressure equipment, setting essentialrequirements for their design, manufacturing and operation.
· The above 2 main orders are supplemented with:
· Order of June 22, 2012 dealing with the use ofreplacement items for the primary circuit and for the main secondary circuit ofpressurized water reactors,
· Order of November 10, 2016, dealing with conformity ofnuclear pressure equipment.
Radiation protection
· Protection of public and environment
· Public Health Code, Legislative Part, Part I, Book III,Title III, Chapter III Articles L. 1333-1 to L. 1333-32.
· Public Health Code, Regulatory Part, Part I, Book III,Title III, Chapter III Articles R. 1333-1 to R. 1333-175.
· Ministerial Order of 27 June 2005 related to the nationalnetwork for collection of environment radioactivity measurements.
Protection of workers
· Labour Code, Legislative Part, Part IV, Book IV, Title V,Chapter I Articles L. 4451-1 and L. 4451-4.
· Labour Code, Regulatory Part, Part IV, Book IV, Title V,Chapter I Articles R. 4451-1 to R. 4451-137.
Radiological emergency
· Public Health Code, Regulatory Part, Part I, Book III,Title III, Chapter III, Sections 4 and 5: Articles R. 1333-81 to R. 1333-103.
· Ministerial Order of 4 November 2005 relating toinforming the public in case of a radiological emergency situation.
· Ministerial Order of 20 November 2009 approving decisionNo. 2009-DC-0153 of the Nuclear Safety Authority of 18 August 2009 onIntervention Levels in Case of a Radiological Emergency.
· Interministerial Instruction of 7 April 2005 on theactions of the administration in case of an event leading to a radiologicalemergency situation.
· Interministerial Instruction of 29 November 2005 on theimplementation and processing of measurements of radioactivity in theenvironment in case of an event leading to a radiological emergency situation.
Regulatory regime for radioactivematerials
· Defense Code, Legislative Part, Part I, Book II, TitleIII, Chapter III Articles L. 1333-1 to L. 1333-20.
· Defense Code, Regulatory Part, Part I, Book II, TitleIII, Chapter III Articles R. 1333-1 to D. 1333-79.
· Ministerial Order of 28 March 1977 instituting theassistance regime for uranium prospecting.
·
· Ministerial Order of 24 September 1996 setting theconditions for the assignment of nuclear materials to military use.
· Ministerial Order of 26 January 2004 concerningprotection of national defense secrecy in the field of protection and controlof nuclear materials, implementing decree No. 98-608 of 17 July 1998 concerningprotection of national defense secrecy.
· Circular of 26 January 2004 implementing MinisterialOrder of 26 January 2004 concerning protection of national defense secrecy inthe field of protection and control of nuclear materials.
· Ministerial Order of 18 August 2010 concerning theprotection and control of nuclear materials during transport.
· Ministerial Order of 31 May 2011 concerning monitoring,accounting and physical protection measures applicable to nuclear materialsubject to a declaration as well as the form and terms of the declaration.
· Ministerial Order of 9 June 2011 laying down the conditionsfor implementation of the physical monitoring and accounting of nuclearmaterials whose detention is subject to a licence.
· Ministerial Order of 10 June 2011 concerning the physicalprotection of the installations housing nuclear materials whose detention issubject to a licence.
· Ministerial Order of 5 August 2011 concerning the termsand form of the licence required by Article L. 1333-2 of the Defense Code.
· Ministerial Order of 29 November 2019 concerning theprotection of radioactive sources from categories A, B, C and D againstmalicious acts.
· Radioactive waste management
· Act No. 2000-174 of 4 March 2000 authorizing the approvalof the Joint Convention on the safety of spent fuel management and on thesafety of radioactive waste management.
· Act No. 2006-739 of 28 June 2006, as amended, on theSustainable Management of Radioactive Materials and Waste (partly embodied inthe Environmental Code).
· Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IV,Chapter II Articles L. 542-1 to L. 542-14.
· Environmental Code, Regulatory Part, Book V, Title IV,Chapter II: Specific provisions for the Sustainable Management of RadioactiveMaterials and Waste Articles R. 542-1 to D. 542-96.
· Decree of 3 August 1999, as amended, licensing ANDRA toimplement and operate an underground laboratory on the territory of Bure tostudy deep geological formations in which radioactive waste could be stored.
Civil liability in the field of nuclearenergy
· Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IX,Chapter VII: Provisions applicable to Civil Liability in the Field of NuclearEnergy Articles L. 597-1 to L. 597-46.
· Decree No. 69-154 of 6 February 1969 related to thepublication of the Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of NuclearEnergy of 29 July 1960, as amended by the Additional Protocol of 28 January1964 (Paris Convention).
· Decree No 75-196 of 18 March 1975 related to thepublication of the Supplementary Convention to the Paris Convention of 29 July1960 on Third Party liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy, signed atBruxelles the 31 January 1963, and the additional Protocol to the Convention of31 January 1963 Supplementary to the Paris Convention of 29 July 1960 on ThirdParty Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy, signed at Paris the 28 January1964 (Brussels Convention).
· Decree No 91-27 of 4 January 1991 related to thepublication of the Protocol amending the Convention of 29 July 1960 on ThirdParty Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy, amended by the additionalProtocol of 28 January 1964, signed at Paris on 16 November 1982 (ParisConvention).
· Decree No. 94-308 of 14 April 1994 related to thepublication of the Convention of 31 January 1963 Supplementary to the ParisConvention of 29 July 1960, as amended by the additional Protocol of 28 January1964 and by the Protocol of 16 November 1982 (Brussels Convention).
· Decree No. 2016-333 of 21 March 2016 implementing ArticleL. 597-28 of the French Environmental Code and relating to third partyliability in the field of nuclear energy.
· Decree No 2022-37 of 17 January 2022 related to thepublication of the Protocol amending the Convention of 29 July 1960 on ThirdParty Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy, amended by the additionalProtocol of 28 January 1964 and by the Protocol of 16 November 1982, and theProtocol amending the Convention of 31 January 1963 Supplementary to the ParisConvention of 29 July 1960 on Third Party Liability in the Field of NuclearEnergy, amended by the additional Protocol of 28 January 1964 and by theProtocol of 16 November 1982, signed at Paris on 12 F bruary 2004.
· Ministerial Order of 19 August 2016, as amended, listingthe sites benefitting from a reduced amount of liability pursuant to decree No.2016-333 of 21 March 2016 implementing Article L. 597-28 of the FrenchEnvironmental Code and relating to third party liability in the field ofnuclear energy.
· Insurance Code, Legislative Part, Book IV, Title III,Chapter I: Extraordinary and nuclear risks Articles L. 431-4 to L. 431-7.
· Insurance Code, Regulatory Part, Book IV, Title III,Chapter I: Extraordinary and nuclear risks Articles R. 431-27 to R. 431-29.
Nuclear test ban
· Law No. 98-217 of 27 March 1998 authorizing theratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
ASN, French Nuclear Safety Authority.
CEA, French Alternative Energies andAtomic Energy Commission.
EDF, Reference Document 2017 AnnualFinancial Report.
ENERDATA: https://www.enerdata.fr/.
International Energy Agency.
Ministry for Energy Transition, DGEC(General Directorate for Energy and Climate).
APPENDIX 1. INTERNATIONAL, MULTILATERAL AND BILATERALAGREEMENTS
AGREEMENTS WITH THE IAEA
| Agreement on privileges and immunities | Non-party |
| Voluntary offer: Agreement with the European Atomic Energy Community on the application of safeguards in France; INFCIRC No: 290 | Entry into force: 12 September 1981 |
| Additional protocol to the Agreement with the European Atomic Energy Community on the application of safeguards in France | Entry into force: 30 April 2004 |
| Safeguards Agreement under the additional protocol No. 1 to the Tlatelolco Treaty; GOV/1998/31 | Entry into force: 21 October 2007 |
| Tlatlelolco Treaty: Additional protocol No. 1 | Entry into force: 24 August 1992 Entry into force: 22 March 1974 |
OTHER MULTILATERAL SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENTSWITH IAEA
| Japan/France INFCIRC/171 | Entry into force: 22 September 1972 Modified 1990 |
| Republic of Korea/France INFCIRC/233 | Entry into force: 22 September 1975 |
| Pakistan/France INFCIRC/239 | Entry into force: 18 March 1976 |
| Exchange of letters between the governments of France and the Republic of Iraq supplementary to the Franco Iraqi cooperation agreement for the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy INFCIRC/172/add.1 | Entry into force: 4 November 1976 |
| South Africa/France INFCIRC/244 | Entry into force: 5 January 1977 |
MAIN INTERNATIONAL TREATIES
| Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) INFCIRC/140 | Entry into force: 3 August 1992 |
| Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material INFCIRC/274 | Entry into force: 6 October 1991 |
| Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material INFCIRC/274/Rev 1/Mod 1 | Entry into force: 8 May 2016 |
| Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident INFCIRC/335 | Entry into force: 6 April 1989 |
| Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency INFCIRC/336 | Entry into force: 6 April 1989 |
| Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy | Entry into force: 24 October 1996 |
| Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention INFCIRC/402 | Entry into force: 30 July 2014 |
| Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage INFCIRC/500 | Non-party |
| Protocol to Amend the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage INFCIRC/566 | Non-party |
| Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage INFCIRC/567 | Non-party |
| Convention on Nuclear Safety INFCIR/449 | Entry into force: 24 October 1996 |
| Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management INFCIRC/546 | Entry into force: 18 June 2001 |
OTHER UNDERTAKINGS
| Euratom | Member |
| Antarctic Treaty | Entry into force: 16 September 1960 |
| London Convention | Entry into force: 5 March 1977 |
| OSPAR Convention | Entry into force: 25 March 1998 |
| Rarotonga Treaty | Signature: 25 March 1996 |
| Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty | Ratification: 6 April 1998 |
| Zangger Committee | Member |
| Improved procedures for designation of safeguards inspector | Accepted on 26 April 1989 |
| Nuclear Suppliers Group | Member |
| Acceptance of NUSS Codes | Summary: Generally positive; will be taken into account for own regulations; compatible with national regulations (Letter of 9 August 1988) |
| Nuclear Export Guidelines | Adopted |
BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
| France/Japan | Signature: 26 February 1972 |
| France/Australia | Signature: 7 January 1981 |
| France/Republic of Korea | Signature: 4 April 1981 |
| France/Egypt | Signature: 27 March 1981 |
| France/Switzerland | Signature: 5 December 1988 |
| France/Argentina | Signature: 21 April 1994 |
| France/China | Signature: 15 May 1997 |
| France/Russian Federation | Signature: 19 April 1996 |
| France/Russian Federation (on civil nuclear liability) | Signature: 20 June 2000 |
| France/China | Signature: 15 May 1997 |
| France/Ukraine | Signature: 3 September 1998 |
| France/Turkey | Signature: 21 September 1999 |
| France/Brazil | Signature: 25 October 2002 |
| France/United Arab Emirates | Signature: 31 January 2008 |
| France/Algeria | Signature: 21 June 2008 |
| France/Jordan | Signature: 30 May 2008 |
| France/Slovakia | Signature: 17 September 2008 |
| France/India | Signature: 30 September 2008 |
| France/Tunisia | Signature: 23 April 2009 |
| France/Viet Nam | Signature: 12 November 2009 |
France/Kuwait | Signature: 16 April 2010 |
| France/Mongolia | Signature: 14 October 2010 |
| France/Saudi Arabia | Signature: 22 February 2011 |
| France/Kazakhstan | Signature: 27 June 2011 |
France/Mexico | Signature: 30 July 2014 |
APPENDIX 2. MAIN ORGANIZATIONS,INSTITUTIONS AND COMPANIES INVOLVED IN NUCLEAR POWER RELATED ACTIVITIES
| Organization | Activity | Address |
| Institutional actors | ||
| Direction G n rale de l'energie et du Climat (DGEC), MTE | Elabore et met en uvre la politique energetique de la France Tutelle de l ANDRA, d ORANO, du CEA, deeDF et de l IRSN | Tour Sequoia 1 place Carpeaux F-92055 la D fense Cedex Tel.: (+33 0) 1 40 81 21 22 http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr |
| Autorit de S ret Nucl aire (ASN) | Contr le de la s ret nucl aire et de la radioprotection en France | 15, rue Louis Lejeune CS 70013 92541 Montrouge Cedex |
| Agence Nationale pour la gestion des d chets radioactifs (ANDRA) | Gestion des d chets radioactifs produits en France | Parc de la Croix-Blanche 1/7, rue Jean Monnet |
| Bureau de Normalisation deequipements Nucl aires (BNEN) | Standards Development Organization | C/O EDF LAB 6 quai Watier |
| Industrial actors | ||
| (EDF) | Production d lectricit Exploitation des r acteurs nucl aires fran ais | 22/30, avenue Wagram F-75382 Paris Cedex 08 |
| Orano | Cycle du combustible nucl aire | CHATILLON - PRISME 125 Avenue de Paris |
| Framatome | Conception, fabrication et maintenance des r acteurs nucl aires | Tour AREVA 1, place Jean Millier |
| Organizations involved in research | ||
| Commissariat leenergie atomique et aux Energies alternatives (CEA) | Etablissement public de recherche | Saclay 91191 Gif sur Yvette |
| Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) | Organisme public de recherche | www.cnrs.fr/ |
| ITER Organization | Recherche sur la fusion nucl aire | Route de Vinon-sur-Verdon,CS 90 046 13067 St. Paul-lez-Durance (France) |
| International organizations | ||
| IAEA | www.iaea.org/ | |
| Agence pour leenergie Nucl aire (AEN) | Agence sp cialisee de l'Organisation de Coop ration et D veloppement Economique (OCDE) | 46 quai Alphonse Gall o 92 100 Boulogne-Billancourt (France) |
| Others | ||
| Socie Fran aise de l'energie Nucl aire (SFEN) | Association scientifique | 103 rue R aumur 75002 Paris |
| Institut National des sciences et techniques nucl aires | Formation | Centre CEA de Saclay 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette |
| AFCEN | Development of Codes for design and manufacturiing of equipment and fuel for NPPs | 1 Place Jean Millier 92400 Courbevoie |
| GIFEN | Union for the French nuclear industry | 5, rue de Rome 75008 Paris |
| Technical support organizations (TSOs) | ||
| Institut de radioprotection et de s ret nucl aire (IRSN, Nuclear Safety and Radioprotection Institute) | Expertise et recherche sur les risques nucl aires et radiologiques | BP17 F-92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex Ou |
