The French called for a decision on the expansion of French power plants

A public consultation was launched on Thursday by the High Committee on Transparency and Information (HCTISN) on the 20 reactors reaching the age of 40.

Do you have questions or concerns about the expansion of nuclear power plants in France? This expansion is one of the main axes of the new French energy policy, along with the restart of nuclear power and the construction of new reactors. In this context, the High Committee for Transparency and Information on Nuclear Security (HCTISN) is launching a public consultation on Thursday, January 18.

The consultation concerns the maintenance of part of the French nuclear fleet in activity. It concerns 20 of France’s 56 reactors. These 20 reactors are spread over about ten power plants, such as Paluel in Seine-Maritime, or Golfech in Tarn-et-Garonne. All these are of 1,300 MW capacity. They were put into service from the mid-1980s and early 1990s and will therefore soon be 40 years old. A critical age for this reactor, which will undergo a major in-depth control test. It will be modified if necessary, for example, to adapt to climatic hazards such as drought.

The consultation launched on Thursday aims to prepare for these restrictions, beyond the restart of nuclear power, as underlined by Christine Neuville, president of the High Committee for Transparency. “At the time of the development of certain nuclear materials and equipment, it was a 40-year hypothesis that was considered a technical operating hypothesis, she explains. Therefore, it is common at this point to question whether maintenance of these reactors can continue under optimal safety conditions. And for us, our question is not: ‘Is it worth continuing to operate or not?’ It is ‘if a political decision is taken, under what security conditions is it possible.’

“It is normal that the public should have their say at this stage.”

Christine Neuville, President of the High Committee for Transparency and Information on Nuclear Security

at franceinfo

However, this age limit of 40 years is not a limit, as French law does not specify a maximum operating time for reactors. But it needs this major inspection every 10 years. and whether the Nuclear Safety Authority would have to approve the expansion of each reactor.

Everyone can participate in the consultation

Whether a nuclear expert or not, living near one of the eight power plants concerned or not, everyone can give their opinion and share their concerns. Citizens also have many questions, assures Jean-Claude Delalonde. He is the Chairman of the National Association of Local Information Committees and Commissions around Power Stations.

“Go to 50, 60 and beyond, why not?He imagines. But explain to us, if an accident occurs, what will be the consequences for the population in terms of environment, in terms of health and in terms of safety in general?

Questions to Jean-Claude Delalonde. “We are concerned about this device”He adds, and says he wants to “Be assured that everything is done to ensure that our nuclear fleet continues to function well, given the challenges of feedback and aging technology”.

“Give us all the information and answer our questions because they don’t need to be stupid.”

Jean-Claude Delalonde, President of the National Association of Local Information Committees and Commissions

at franceinfo

These questions sometimes shed light on blind spots and are considered. According to Etienne Duthel, director in charge of nuclear production at EDF, this was the case during a similar consultation launched five years ago for the oldest French reactors. “We were questioned very strongly by people about staffing, staff traininghe remembers And we’ve put more effort into better preparing our staff for the arrival of these changes and better integrating training from the design stage. This was an expectation that was strongly expressed by the public that we engaged during the fourth periodic review of the 900 MW reactor.”Etienne assures Duthel.

To participate in this consultation, go to the dedicated website by June 30. Till then, meetings will be held at the local level around the respective power plants.