Extension of nuclear reactors after 40 years: the State wants your opinion

You will be able to give your opinion on the extension of the 1,300 MWe nuclear power plants built between 1985 and 1994. The High Committee
for transparency and information on nuclear security launches a consultation open to all.

Like more and more workers, nuclear power plants, considered a green industry by Europe, do not have the right to retire at 40. As this deadline approaches for the 1,300 MWe reactors (20 of the 56 reactors located in France, spread over 8 sites) the question of extending their operation arises.

The HCTISN (a somewhat barbaric acronym for the High Committee for Transparency and Information on Nuclear Security) invites you to give your opinion on the issue.

Retirement at 40 for power plants? Not engraved in the atom

According to the HTCISN, this 40^e year of operation represents “a major step” in the life of these reactors. As was the case for those of 900 MWe between September 2018 and March 2019, the organization is organizing a consultation on the occasion of the 4^e periodic review.

The HTCISN publication emphasizes that the regulations which authorize nuclear installations do not set any operating time. It only requires a periodic review every decade. Christine Noiville, president of the High Committee, explains in an interview given to our colleagues at franceinfo that the 40 years of operating life commonly mentioned as the age limit correspond to a “technical operating hypothesis”.

A favor before public inquiries

If consultation is not obligatory, the law relating to the energy transition for green growth of August 17, 2015 requires, however, that the continued operation of reactors beyond 35 years be subject to public inquiries.

This opening to opinions is therefore only a preliminary step decided by the HTCISN. She must “allow the public to be involved in positions taken regarding the continued operation of 1300 MW nuclear power reactors after 40 years”.

Note that reactors number 1 of the Paluel and Cattenom nuclear power plants will be the first affected by this 4^e periodic review, starting in 2026.

You have until June 30, 2024 to give your opinion

Finally, without detailing the entire procedure, the review involves the operator, EDF, which is also preparing to build 1 to 1.5 nuclear reactors each year, and the ASN (Nuclear Safety Authority). On the basis of various reports, checks and possible modifications, it communicates to the government its conclusions on the safety status of the installations and the merits (or not) of extending operation.

You can give your opinion now on the website dedicated to this consultation, or do so until June 30, 2024. Franceinfo adds that those who live around the affected sites will also be able to attend local meetings.

Sources: HCTISN, France Info