FRANCE

(Updated 2014)

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. Country overview

Note: The content of this section, including Tables 1 and 2, has been removed by the IAEA to better focus the report on nuclear power.

1.2. Energy Information

1.2.1. Estimated available energy

TABLE 3. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Estimated available energy sources
 Fossil Fuels Nuclear  Renewables
Solid Liquid Gas Uranium Production hydro Other
Renewable
 Total amount in specific units* 0  13.6 Mt  21.3 Billion m3 NA  70 000 GWh 0.01 TW installed

* Solid, Liquid: Million tons; Gas: Billion m3; Uranium: Metric tons; Hydro, Renewable: TW

Source: Enerdata

1.2.2. Energy Statistics

France has deposits of various metals and little fossil fuel resources. Owing to high recovery costs, production of fossil fuels has decreased to a rather low level and is not expected to provide a significant share of the country’s energy supply in the future. Most hydropower resources are already exploited. Therefore, the French energy policy places high emphasis on improving energy independence through the development of domestic technologies, including nuclear power, alternative energies and renewables, in order to alleviate the country’s vulnerability to the volatility of fossil fuel international markets and to meet the Kyoto commitments.

Table 4 provides statistical data on energy and electricity supply and demand between 1971 and 2010. It illustrates the long term increase of nuclear power in primary electricity production to improve French energy independence. Since 1973, primary energy consumption underwent a regular increase, though much slighter in recent years, and decreasing (-0.13%) between 2000 and 2008). Domestic production accounts for some 50% of that consumption. The energy balance improved in the last two decades, mainly due to the rise of electricity exports. Energy intensity has lowered owing to structural changes in the economy, i.e. reduction in the share of energy intensive industries in total GDP, and to a lesser extent, to efficiency improvements.

TABLE 4. ENERGY STATISTICS (in EJ)

Average annual growth rate (%)
1971 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010* 2000 to 2010
Energy consumption**              
- Total 7.5 7.9 9.6 11.54 11.6 11.1 -0.39
- Solids*** 1.2 1.3 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.5 -1.81
- Liquids 5.1 4.5 3.7 4 3.8 3.4 -1.61
- Gases 0.5 0.9 1.1 1.6 1.7 1.7 0.61
- Nuclear 0.04 4.5 4.7 4.6 0.22
- Hydro- 0.24 0.21 0.23 -0.42
- Other Renewables 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.70 1.55
Energy production
- Total 2 2.20 4.68 5.48 5.76 5.8 0.57
- Solids*** 1 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.01 0.004 -27.52
- Liquids 0.1 0.09 0.14 0.075 0.05 0.075 0.00
- Gases 0.2 0.3 0.10 0.06 0.04 0.02 -10.40
- Nuclear 0.1 0.7 3.4 4.5 4.9 4.9 0.86
- Hydro 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0
- Other Renewables 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.8 4.81
Net import (Import - Export) 4.9 6.2 5.0 5.6 6 5.5 -0.18
- Total 6.9 8.4 9.7 11 11.8 11.3 0.27

* Latest available data

** Energy consumption = Primary energy consumption + Net import (Import - Export) of secondary energy.

*** Solid fuels include coal, lignite

Source: AIE, CGDD

During the post-World War II reconstruction period, France’s economic and social development relied mainly on the deployment of energy intensive industries. The rapidly increasing energy needs were partly met by domestic coal and hydropower resources. However, since French domestic fossil fuel resources were limited and costly, the country had to rely heavily on imports for its energy supply. By 1973, imports were covering more than 75% of national energy consumption, compared to 38% in 1960. After the 70s oil crisis, the country was in need of better energy independence. At that time, implementation of a large nuclear power programme became a major element of France’s energy policy, including also energy saving measures, efficiency improvement and research and development in the field of renewable energies. The share of nuclear power in primary energy supply increased from less than 2% in the late seventies to about one third in the mid-nineties and reached 41% in 2008.

The main macro-economic impacts of France’s energy policy are: drastic improvement in the energy trade balance, stabilization of domestic energy prices at a rather low level, increased competitiveness of French companies on international markets and deployment of a nuclear industry sector covering reactor construction and the whole fuel cycle. Increased awareness of environmental constraints is reflected in the French energy mix, aiming to reduce the negative impacts of energy production on health and environment. In this regard, substitution of fossil fuel power in favour of nuclear energy for electricity generation resulted in a drastic reduction of atmospheric emissions from the energy sector.

1.2.3. Energy policy

Since 2005, France has focused its energy policy by introducing long term energy and climate objectives in the legislative framework. Since the end of 2008, France is also committed to the achievement of 3 x 20% of the European climate and energy package. By 2020, this commitment will consist of:

  • a reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions. For this, France must contribute to the decreasing of 21% of EU emissions compared to 2005 in the sectors covered by the EU-ETS (European Union Emission Trading Scheme) introduced by Europe. These issues concern the highly emitting industries (sectors of chemistry, paper, electricity etc.) On the other hand, it also involves a reduction target of 14% of fugitive emissions (agriculture, transportation, building etc.)

  • an achievement of a minimum target of 23% renewables in final energy consumption in 2020,

  • an increase of energy efficiency to contribute to the 20% reduction European commitment by 2020 compared to the final energy consumption trend. This goal was reflected in the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (PNAEE) defined in 2011. In the baseline scenario as a reference for PNAEE, the final energy consumption for energy uses must reach 163 Mtoe per year by 2020.

These national and international commitments the goals of which are are to diversify the energy mix led to the adoption of several laws. There are the planning law introduced in 2005 (law Pope) and Grenelle laws with a programme law, Grenelle 1, (3th August 2009) and implementing legislation, Grenelle 2 (12th July 2010). These laws introduce many devices and set ambitious sectoral targets for buildings and transport, like for the development of renewable energies.

Parallel to various commitments made by the Grenelle and POPE laws, French energy policy laws evolved strongly during the past decade, around the EU objective of electricity and gas markets opening to competition. Indeed, the liberalization of European electricity and gas markets initiated by the European Commission in 1996 and materialized in 1999 by Directive aims to ensure competition in these markets, and also security of supply energy for all consumers in terms of affordability and environmental protection. Important provisions have also been introduced to allow public authorities to ensure that the required investments to achieve the objectives and long-term energy policy are carried out, in terms of production equipment and energy transport.

  • Electricity: the first mechanism was introduced into law in February 2000 with the multi-year investment programme of electricity (PPI). This is a prospective on the ten years horizon for electricity demand and supply, led by the Government on the basis of the forecast balance regularly established by RTE, and submitted to Parliament exercise. This report establishes the need for new capacity by industry. If these investments are not realized by market actors, the Government may process to a call of tender. Since 2005, PPI electricity is completed by the energy investment for heat production, and fixes objectives by sector per renewable energy, and possibly per geographic area.

  • Gas: the law of January 2003 introduced a device of the same type with the Multiannual Indicative Plan (PIP). Prepared by the Government with the development plans established by GRTgaz and TIGF and submitted to Parliament, the PIP describes the expected changes in demand for natural gas and adequacy of gas infrastructure on the horizon of ten years, and the contribution of long-term contracts to supply the French market.

Since 2012, the investment plans of the transport managers are submitted to the approval of the CRE which holds a public consultation and in particular checks their coherence with the European electricity and gas decennial plans. They become mandatory for managers.

Finally, a complete set including electricity PPI, gas PIP and heat PPI which are articulated between them was presented in 2009. New reports for each sector must be submitted by the Government to Parliament in 2013.

1.3. The electricity system

1.3.1. Electricity policy and decision making process

The General Directorate for Energy and Climate (DGEC), under the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy (MEDDE) is in charge of implementing the French government policy on energy within the framework of the European directives. The Minister of MEDDE and the Minister for Health control health and environmental impacts of industrial facilities, including energy production and transformation plants.

The transmission grid operator RTE (Réseau de Transport de l'Electricité) is in charge of balancing generation and consumption over the grid, operating the power system, and maintaining and developing the public power transmission network. According to the law of 10 February 2000, RTE must establish at least every two years an evaluation of medium-term evolution of consumption, transport capacities, distribution, and exchanges with foreign grids, to help the government to elaborate the PPI (Programmation Pluriannuelle des Investissements) which is a report on medium-term power generation capacity investments planning that the energy Ministry must prepare and release to the Parliament. The last report on PPI was released in June 2009.

The state-owned utility Electricité de France (EDF) which was nationalized in 1946 along with the national coal, oil and gas companies, became a limited liability company in November 2004 and increased its capital by 30% in October 2005 (the law stipulates that the French State will hold at least 70% of the capital and voting rights in EDF SA). A public service contract between the government and EDF, laying down the terms and conditions for the implementation of its public service mission, was also signed at the same time. The French government appoints EDF’s chairman.

1.3.2. Structure of electric power sector

The European directives on the liberalization of the electricity market have been fully transposed into the French legislation.

The transmission grid operator RTE has been individualized inside EDF according to the European rules, and manages the load dispatch system independently. An independent regulatory authority, CRE (Commission de Régulation de l'Energie), guarantees equal access and competition to all market players. Since July 2007, any site (of a total 34 million sites) can choose to be supplied by a private utility or remain within regulated tariff (three possible contracts).

EDF is still the main operator for production and for distribution (ERDF). It operates all nuclear and part of the fossil-fuel fired and hydro-power plants. The other main suppliers are GDF-Suez (both companies merged in July 2008 and hold CNR and SHEM), SNET (groupe EON) for coal-fired plants and Wind electricity, and private manufacturers operating back-up or combined heat and power production units, as well as operators of small and medium size hydropower plants. 19 providers recorded on the CRE's suppliers' list actually operate on the French market.

Regarding distribution activities, local authorities grant the concession of well-defined areas. There are 170 distribution companies featuring municipality or joint ownership, with a 5% share of total electricity billing.

1.3.3. Main indicators

Table 5 shows the history of electricity production and Table 6 the energy related ratios. At present, about 90% of France’s electricity is of nuclear and renewable origin, the remaining 10% coming mainly from fossil fuels. Electricity demand grows in line with GDP, though at a lower rate.

TABLE 5: ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

Average annual growth rate (%)
1974 1980 1990 2000 2005 2012 2000 to 2012
Gross capacity of electric plants (GWe)              
- Thermal 26 30 23 27 25 28 0.3
- Hydro 16 19 25 25 25 25 0.07
- Nuclear 3 14 56 63 63 63 -0.01
- Wind 0 0 0 0.01 0.7 7 73
- Geothermal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
- other renewable 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.25 0.25 4.9 28
- Total 45 64 104 115 115 129 0.9
Gross electricity production (TWh) 1971 1980 1990 2000 2005 2011 2000 to 2011
- Thermal 97 126 48 53 67 55 0.3
- Hydro 49 70 57 72 56 51 -3.1
- Nuclear 9 61 314 415 452 442 0.6
- Wind 0 0 0 0,1 1 12 54.5
- Geothermal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
- other renewable 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 2 11.6
- Total (1) 160 258 420 541 576 563 0.36
Total Electricity consumption (TW.h) 144 244 348 441 482 472 0.62

(1) Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.

Source: RTE, CGDD

TABLE 6: ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

1973 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010*
Energy consumption per capita (GJ/capita) 146  146 163  180  184  172 
Electricity consumption per capita (kW.h/capita) 3076 4204 5558 6758  7395  7800 
Electricity production/Energy production (%) 18  42  78  86  89  85 
Nuclear/Total electricity (%) 8 24 75 77  79  75
Ratio of external dependency (%) (1) 76 73  50 50 50 49 

(1) Net import / Total energy consumption.

* Latest available data

Source: AIE, CGDD

2. NUCLEAR POWER SITUATION

2.1. Historical development and current organizational structure

2.1.1. Overview

Historically, the development of nuclear power fell into four phases. During the 1960s, in line with the overall target of industrial independence and domestic technological development, indigenous designs were promoted (mainly natural uranium - gas cooled reactors and fast breeders). However, a PWR unit (Chooz-A) was built jointly with Belgium and a heavy water reactor in Brittany (Brennilis).

International developments in the nuclear industry led in the late sixties to the recognition that the French reactor designs could not compete with light water reactors. In 1969, the decision was made to build LWRs under license, whilst restructuring the domestic industry to improve competitiveness. Subsequently, the French government envisaged a construction programme of one or two PWRs a year.

From 1974 to 1981, emphasis was put on adaptation of the Westinghouse design for the development of a French standard. The nuclear programme accelerated the pace with the 1970s oil crisis. The unit-capacity of French reactors increased from 900 MWe to 1,300 MWe and later to 1,500 MWe. France developed and implemented, in parallel with the nuclear power plant programme, a strong domestic fuel cycle industry, built upon the infrastructure originally established by CEA.

In 1981, Framatome terminated its license with Westinghouse and negotiated a new agreement, giving greater autonomy. Framatome developed a wide range of servicing expertise and capabilities in reactor operation and maintenance services. In the same year, France had to adapt its energy policy to a lower than expected economic growth, together with the occurrence of over-capacity in the national electricity supply system. The achievement of the 1450 MWe N4 model was the landmark for a totally autonomous French reactor design.

Then, a new period started. In 2000, Framatome merged with the nuclear activities of Siemens (Germany). It resulted into Framatome Advanced Nuclear Power, which is integrated into the AREVA group and is now called AREVA NP (Nuclear Plant) since 2005. AREVA holds 66% and Siemens 34%. In 2006, the construction of a 1600 MW European Pressurized Reactor, designed by AREVA NC, was started in Olkiluoto (Finland). It was followed by another one in Flamanville (France) in 2007. In 2007, the construction of the first GEN IV reactor, ASTRID, in Marcoule, was decided and planned for 2020.

2.1.2. Current organizational chart(s)

Nuclear Power organizational Chart

  • Government authorities :

DGEC (General Directorate for Energy and Climate)
  • Independent nuclear agency:

French Safety Authority (Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire - ASN)
  • Expert institution:

IRSN (Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety Institute)
  • Research and development:

CEA (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission)
  • Nuclear power plants operator:

EDF (Electricité de France)
  • Nuclear plants construction :

AREVA NP
  • Fuel cycle industry, including engineering and services :

AREVA group
  • Mining :

AREVA NC
  • Conversion :

Comurhex
  • Enrichment:

Georges Besse II
  • Fuel fabrication :

AREVA NP (UO), AREVA NC (MOX)
  • Reprocessing and packaging:

AREVA NC
  • Radioactive waste management (R&D and disposal) :

ANDRA

2.2. Nuclear power plants: Overview

2.2.1. Status and performance of nuclear power plants

Source : DGEC

FIG 1. Location of nuclear power plants in France.

Nuclear power in the French electricity supply system amounts to 63 130 MWe. It consists of fifty-eight PWRs (thirty four 900 MWe, twenty 1300 MWe, and four 1500 MWe). One new EPR reactor is under construction at Flamanville. The EDF policy is to act as architect-engineer-operator, in order to master the design and improvement of plants along their operational life, by the integration of R&D, engineering and operating resources and benefiting of extensive experience feedback.

All the EDF NPPs undergo a systematic experience feedback process and every ten years a comprehensive periodic safety reassessment process, under the control of French Safety Authority (ASN). It enables to assess compliance with the licensing basis and up to date safety standards and to implement improvements as necessary, in order to sustain the EDF long term operation programme. After the Fukushima accident, a complementary safety assessment was performed, which enabled confirmation of the current level of safety with adequate margins regarding external hazards (earthquake, flooding, etc.) and resulted in additional provisions to cope with extreme hazards (fast action force, implementation of a hardened safety core, etc.). This process is described in detail in the reports presented at the Nuclear Safety Convention meetings (published on the ASN website).

In 2012, the nuclear plants accounted for 404.9 TWh (over 74% of total french electricity production), making France the world’s second largest nuclear power producer and  the average plant availability amounted to 79.7 % (top ten 91 to 99.5%). Table 7 lists the status of the power plants as of year-end 2012.

TABLE 7: STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

Reactor Unit Type Net
Capacity
[MW(e)]
Status Operator Reactor
Supplier
Construction
Date
First
Criticality
Date
First Grid
Date
Commercial
Date
Shutdown
Date
UCF
for
2015
BELLEVILLE-1 PWR 1310 Operational EDF FRAM 1980-05-01 1987-09-09 1987-10-14 1988-06-01 99.0
BELLEVILLE-2 PWR 1310 Operational EDF FRAM 1980-08-01 1988-05-25 1988-07-06 1989-01-01 84.1
BLAYAIS-1 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1977-01-01 1981-05-20 1981-06-12 1981-12-01 90.2
BLAYAIS-2 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1977-01-01 1982-06-28 1982-07-17 1983-02-01 81.9
BLAYAIS-3 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1978-04-01 1983-07-29 1983-08-17 1983-11-14 27.1
BLAYAIS-4 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1978-04-01 1983-05-01 1983-05-16 1983-10-01 57.8
BUGEY-2 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1972-11-01 1978-04-20 1978-05-10 1979-03-01 98.5
BUGEY-3 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1973-09-01 1978-08-31 1978-09-21 1979-03-01 86.7
BUGEY-4 PWR 880 Operational EDF FRAM 1974-06-01 1979-02-17 1979-03-08 1979-07-01 83.4
BUGEY-5 PWR 880 Operational EDF FRAM 1974-07-01 1979-07-15 1979-07-31 1980-01-03 79.4
CATTENOM-1 PWR 1300 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-10-29 1986-10-24 1986-11-13 1987-04-01 64.2
CATTENOM-2 PWR 1300 Operational EDF FRAM 1980-07-28 1987-08-07 1987-09-17 1988-02-01 89.5
CATTENOM-3 PWR 1300 Operational EDF FRAM 1982-06-15 1990-02-16 1990-07-06 1991-02-01 85.3
CATTENOM-4 PWR 1300 Operational EDF FRAM 1983-09-28 1991-05-04 1991-05-27 1992-01-01 95.6
CHINON B-1 PWR 905 Operational EDF FRAM 1977-03-01 1982-10-28 1982-11-30 1984-02-01 76.2
CHINON B-2 PWR 905 Operational EDF FRAM 1977-03-01 1983-09-23 1983-11-29 1984-08-01 70.6
CHINON B-3 PWR 905 Operational EDF FRAM 1980-10-01 1986-09-18 1986-10-20 1987-03-04 73.3
CHINON B-4 PWR 905 Operational EDF FRAM 1981-02-01 1987-10-13 1987-11-14 1988-04-01 89.4
CHOOZ B-1 PWR 1500 Operational EDF FRAM 1984-01-01 1996-07-25 1996-08-30 2000-05-15 89.5
CHOOZ B-2 PWR 1500 Operational EDF FRAM 1985-12-31 1997-03-10 1997-04-10 2000-09-29 75.7
CIVAUX-1 PWR 1495 Operational EDF FRAM 1988-10-15 1997-11-29 1997-12-24 2002-01-29 96.6
CIVAUX-2 PWR 1495 Operational EDF FRAM 1991-04-01 1999-11-27 1999-12-24 2002-04-23 73.9
CRUAS-1 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1978-08-01 1983-04-02 1983-04-29 1984-04-02 46.5
CRUAS-2 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1978-11-15 1984-08-01 1984-09-06 1985-04-01 73.0
CRUAS-3 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-04-15 1984-04-09 1984-05-14 1984-09-10 79.0
CRUAS-4 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-10-01 1984-10-01 1984-10-27 1985-02-11 81.9
DAMPIERRE-1 PWR 890 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-02-01 1980-03-15 1980-03-23 1980-09-10 80.6
DAMPIERRE-2 PWR 890 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-04-01 1980-12-05 1980-12-10 1981-02-16 84.5
DAMPIERRE-3 PWR 890 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-09-01 1981-01-25 1981-01-30 1981-05-27 82.4
DAMPIERRE-4 PWR 890 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-12-01 1981-08-05 1981-08-18 1981-11-20 90.7
FESSENHEIM-1 PWR 880 Operational EDF FRAM 1971-09-01 1977-03-07 1977-04-06 1978-01-01 94.4
FESSENHEIM-2 PWR 880 Operational EDF FRAM 1972-02-01 1977-06-27 1977-10-07 1978-04-01 83.9
FLAMANVILLE-1 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-12-01 1985-09-29 1985-12-04 1986-12-01 72.9
FLAMANVILLE-2 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1980-05-01 1986-06-12 1986-07-18 1987-03-09 69.9
GOLFECH-1 PWR 1310 Operational EDF FRAM 1982-11-17 1990-04-24 1990-06-07 1991-02-01 99.7
GOLFECH-2 PWR 1310 Operational EDF FRAM 1984-10-01 1993-05-21 1993-06-18 1994-03-04 82.9
GRAVELINES-1 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-02-01 1980-02-21 1980-03-13 1980-11-25 75.3
GRAVELINES-2 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-03-01 1980-08-02 1980-08-26 1980-12-01 69.4
GRAVELINES-3 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-12-01 1980-11-30 1980-12-12 1981-06-01 89.5
GRAVELINES-4 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1976-04-01 1981-05-31 1981-06-14 1981-10-01 80.5
GRAVELINES-5 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-10-01 1984-08-05 1984-08-28 1985-01-15 88.1
GRAVELINES-6 PWR 910 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-10-01 1985-07-21 1985-08-01 1985-10-25 97.7
NOGENT-1 PWR 1310 Operational EDF FRAM 1981-05-26 1987-09-12 1987-10-21 1988-02-24 77.2
NOGENT-2 PWR 1310 Operational EDF FRAM 1982-01-01 1988-10-04 1988-12-14 1989-05-01 64.8
PALUEL-1 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1977-08-15 1984-05-13 1984-06-22 1985-12-01 99.0
PALUEL-2 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1978-01-01 1984-08-11 1984-09-14 1985-12-01 36.5
PALUEL-3 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-02-01 1985-08-07 1985-09-30 1986-02-01 70.7
PALUEL-4 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1980-02-01 1986-03-29 1986-04-11 1986-06-01 99.8
PENLY-1 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1982-09-01 1990-04-01 1990-05-04 1990-12-01 98.4
PENLY-2 PWR 1330 Operational EDF FRAM 1984-08-01 1992-01-10 1992-02-04 1992-11-01 87.3
ST. ALBAN-1 PWR 1335 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-01-29 1985-08-04 1985-08-30 1986-05-01 87.0
ST. ALBAN-2 PWR 1335 Operational EDF FRAM 1979-07-31 1986-06-07 1986-07-03 1987-03-01 89.1
ST. LAURENT B-1 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1976-05-01 1981-01-04 1981-01-21 1983-08-01 57.4
ST. LAURENT B-2 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1976-07-01 1981-05-12 1981-06-01 1983-08-01 81.4
TRICASTIN-1 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1974-11-01 1980-02-21 1980-05-31 1980-12-01 74.2
TRICASTIN-2 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1974-12-01 1980-07-22 1980-08-07 1980-12-01 77.4
TRICASTIN-3 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-04-01 1980-11-29 1981-02-10 1981-05-11 89.6
TRICASTIN-4 PWR 915 Operational EDF FRAM 1975-05-01 1981-05-31 1981-06-12 1981-11-01 80.2
FLAMANVILLE-3 PWR 1600 Under Construction EDF AREVA 2007-12-03 2016-12-30 2016-12-31
BUGEY-1 GCR 540 Permanent Shutdown EDF FRAM 1965-12-01 1972-03-21 1972-04-15 1972-07-01 1994-05-27
CHINON A-1 GCR 70 Permanent Shutdown EDF LEVIVIER 1957-02-01 1962-09-16 1963-06-14 1964-02-01 1973-04-16
CHINON A-2 GCR 180 Permanent Shutdown EDF LEVIVIER 1959-08-01 1964-08-17 1965-02-24 1965-02-24 1985-06-14
CHINON A-3 GCR 360 Permanent Shutdown EDF GTM 1961-03-01 1966-03-01 1966-08-04 1966-08-04 1990-06-15
CHOOZ-A (ARDENNES) PWR 305 Permanent Shutdown SENA A/F/W 1962-01-01 1966-10-18 1967-04-03 1967-04-15 1991-10-30
EL-4 (MONTS D'ARREE) HWGCR 70 Permanent Shutdown EDF GAAA 1962-07-01 1966-12-23 1967-07-09 1968-06-01 1985-07-31
G-2 (MARCOULE) GCR 39 Permanent Shutdown COGEMA SACM 1955-03-01 1958-07-21 1959-04-22 1959-04-22 1980-02-02
G-3 (MARCOULE) GCR 40 Permanent Shutdown COGEMA SACM 1956-03-01 1959-06-11 1960-04-04 1960-04-04 1984-06-20
PHENIX FBR 130 Operational CEA/EDF CNCLNEY 1968-11-01 1973-08-31 1973-12-13 1974-07-14 2010-02-01 23:59:00 0.0
ST. LAURENT A-1 GCR 390 Permanent Shutdown EDF FRAM 1963-10-01 1969-01-07 1969-03-14 1969-06-01 1990-04-18
ST. LAURENT A-2 GCR 465 Permanent Shutdown EDF FRAM 1966-01-01 1971-07-04 1971-08-09 1971-11-01 1992-05-27
SUPER-PHENIX FBR 1200 Permanent Shutdown EDF ASPALDO 1976-12-13 1985-09-07 1986-01-14 1986-12-01 1998-12-31
Data source: IAEA - Power Reactor Information System (PRIS).
Note: Table 7 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.

2.3. Future development of Nuclear Power

2.3.1 Nuclear power development strategy

Two main events regarding Energy policy happened in 2005-2006: the adoption of the 2005-781 Law on Energy, and the release of the report on investments “PPI” as stipulated in the Law 2000-108 on modernization and development of the public electricity service.

Law 2005-781 "energy orientation law" was adopted by the Parliament on 13 July 2005. It indicates the four main goals of the French energy policy:

  • Contributing to energy independence and guaranteeing the security of supply

  • Ensuring a competitive price of energy

  • Preserving human health and the environment

  • Guaranteeing the social and territorial cohesion.

To reach these goals, four main paths are followed:

  • Controlling energy demand (by tax incentives, certification, etc.)

  • Diversifying the energy portfolio; the law stipulates that the State may have a GEN IV reactor by 2015 in order to eventually replace French nuclear plants, and that 10% of energy needs may be satisfied with renewables by 2010. The site of Flamanville was chosen by EDF in March 2006 to host the demonstrator EPR, after the National Commission of Public Debate organized a debate on the subject from October 2005 to February 2006 and released a report on April 2006.

  • Developing Research and Innovation in the energy sector; for this purpose, two new agencies, the National Agency for Research -ANR- and the Industrial Innovation Agency -AII- have been created.

  • Ensuring the availability of transportation and storage facilities to respond to needs.

    Also, an important stipulation of the law is that Greenhouse Gas emissions must be four times less by 2050.

Law 2000-108 on modernization and development of the public electricity service of 10 February 2000 stipulates that a report on medium-term power generation capacity investments planning (PPI) must be prepared by the energy Ministry. The last report on PPI was officially released by the Government in 2008 and concerns the period 2009-2020. It identifies the following evolutions:

  • Energy savings may be at the heart of any energy scenario, respecting Law 2005-781 on energy.

  • A share of renewable energy sources (including hydro) of 23% is targeted for 2020, mainly with on-shore and offshore wind energy. 25 GWe by 2020 of wind capacity are targeted. Hydro may at least be maintained at its current level and could be developed until it produces 7 TWh more at most. Biomass may be developed up to a level of 2.3 TWh.

  • To answer the evolution of the reglementary framework on thermal capacities over the 2009-2020 period that may lead to the shutdown of more than half the coal-fired plants capacity, 5.2 GWe of thermal plants may be constructed (2.6 GWe in semi base-load and 2.6 GWe in peak-load) by 2015, among which 0.8 GWe by 2009. Also, 2.6 GWe of old oil-fuelled plants may be modernized by EDF to re–enter into operation

Privatization and deregulation:

In the wake of successive legislations, the role of public authorities has changed.

The European directives on electricity market liberalization have been implemented in French legislation through law no. 2000-108 of 10 February 2000 on the modernization and development of the public electricity service. This law states in its first article:

“The purpose of the public electricity service is to guarantee electricity supplies throughout the country, having due regard to general interest.

In the context of the energy policy, the public electricity service contributes to the independence and security of supply, air quality and combating the greenhouse effect, optimum management and development of national resources, control of demand for energy, economic competitiveness and control of technical choices for the future, as well as efficiency in energy use.

It furthers social cohesion, by ensuring the universal right to electricity, contributes to combating exclusion, a balanced spatial development, having due regard to the environment, research and technological progress as well as defence and public order.

The public electricity service shall be organized by the State and the local authorities or their public co-operation establishments, each for its part.”

It follows from this article that the government retains the responsibility of establishing objectives regarding security of energy supply or regional planning. In addition it remains responsible for defining and enforcing adherence to the rules within which the various market players must act. Public authorities retain the traditional governmental activities such as preparation and development of regulations, energy taxation, public service obligations, personnel and installation safety, environment protection, in particular implementation of the European directives regarding greenhouse gas emissions and the share of renewable energies in electricity production. They also keep the general responsibility of insuring long term supply by supporting R&D efforts when private companies would not engage by themselves. In addition, through the procedure of call for bids or the authorization required for the new production plants (decree n° 2000-877 of 7 September 2000), the government retains the ability to set conditions for new power units, including the energetic, technical, economic, financial and geographical characteristics of the installation (for instance regarding greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants, long term supply stability or use of domestic energy resources), and thus it influences the choice of the energy sources.

Regarding public service obligations, Law no. 2000-108 has created a specific contribution (CSPE) intended for compensating the excess costs attributable to public service obligations (purchase obligation for green electricity, power production in non-connected zones such as overseas départements, etc.). This fund is supplied by the different electricity producers established in the French territory, including auto-producers as well as by the electricity importers.

Regarding the European directive on renewable energy, France is due to raise the share of renewable electricity from the actual value of about 15% to 21%. To this end, and with hydro power availability almost fully used, special effort is made to increase the contribution of wind energy.

Since 1 July 2007 any company and household are actually free to choose their energy supplier on the French electricity market.

The public companies EDF and GDF, created in 1946, became limited liability companies on 19 November 2004, according to the Act of 9 August 2004. This new legal form means that both companies were no longer bound by the "specialty principle" that was attached to their status of state-owned company (EPIC) since 1946. GDF increased its capital by 30% in June 2005 and merged with Suez in July 2008. EDF increased its capital by 30% in October 2005 (the law stipulates that the French State holds at least 70% of the capital and voting rights in EDF SA and GDF SA).

The other public companies are now widely open to the private sector: the coal fired plants operator SNET (Société Nationale d’Electricité et de Thermique) is now owned by E.ON, the company Energie du Rhône, that trades the electricity production of the hydropower stations of CNR (Compagnie Nationale du Rhône) is partly owned by Electrabel (GDF-Suez).

2.4. Organizations involved in construction of NPPs

See section 2.2.1.

2.5. Organizations involved in operation of NPPs

See section 2.2.1.

2.6. Organizations involved in decommissioning of NPPs

See section 2.2.1.

2.7. Fuel cycle including waste management

AREVA NC (ex COGEMA) controls most of the fuel cycle industry, with the exceptions of UO-fuel manufacturing (AREVA NP) and of radioactive waste management and disposal, run by the independent public agency ANDRA. AREVA NC is an industrial and commercial leader in all phases of the fuel cycle, including prospection and running of uranium mines, conversion (Comurhex), enrichment (SET), MOX-fuel fabrication (Melox), reprocessing and waste packaging.

Safety and waste management issues:

To date, 85% of the volume of radioactive waste generated by French operators is covered by effective long-term management measures. The remaining 15% of waste is packaged and placed in temporary storage pending final disposal (either in surface facilities or in deep geological repositories). Accordingly, the National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (Andra) manages existing storage facilities and conducts research into the deep geological disposal of long-lived high level wastes (HLW-LL). In 2009 it published its latest national inventory of radioactive wastes and recyclable materials.

Very low level wastes (VLLW) are stored at the Morvillers site (Aube), which is designed to accommodate 650 000 m3 of waste over the next 30 years and which opened in the summer of 2003.

Short-lived low and intermediate level wastes (LILW-SL) are stored at the Soulaines-Dhuys site (Aube). The Manche storage centre has no longer been receiving waste consignments since 1994. It entered into an active surveillance phase in 2003, with very active surveillance until 2013.

Long-lived low level wastes (LLW-LL) must be disposed of in shallow repositories. The search for a shallow-depth storage facility has been underway since 2008. Long-lived high and intermediate level wastes (HILW-LL) are subject to specific legislation, namely Law No. 2006-739 of 28 June, 2006 on the programme for the long-term management of radioactive materials and wastes. This Law follows on from that of 30 December 1991 (Bataille Law). It provides, inter alia, for research into the long-term management of HILW-LL waste by setting out three main lines of research:

1 – Advanced separation and transmutation

These research projects are conducted by the French Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission. The main achievements in 2009 concerned the consolidation of the Ganex process for the overall extraction of all actinides as well as the development of an outline process aimed at the recovery solely of Americium, the main contributor to long-term radiotoxicity and to the thermal loading of waste containers. The ExAm (extraction of Americium) process was successfully tested in 2009 in the Atalante L17 laboratory in Marcoule. A large quantity of Americium was recovered (>97%), resulting in a decontamination factor significantly higher than 1 000.

2 - Deep geological disposal

Research into the deep geological disposal of long-lived high level wastes is carried out under the aegis of Andra in the underground laboratory in the Meuse/Haute-Marne (Bure). The trial zone at a depth of 490 m has been operational since April, 2005. At the end of 2009, the laboratory had around 800 metres of underground galleries, all fitted with instrumentation.

A 30 km2 area of interest was officially proposed in 2009. The application for construction of a storage facility within this area will be submitted by Andra for review and approval by 2015. A permit for construction of the facility will then be granted by a Decree issued by the Prime Minister, with a view to the facility entering into service by 2015, after completing a procedure set out in the legislation which consists on seeking opinions from the Nuclear Safety Authority, the National Evaluation Committee, Parliament and the local authorities concerned, as well as a consultation and public enquiry. In addition, the opening of the facility is subject to adoption of a Law setting out the conditions for the reversibility of disposal.

3 – Temporary storage

The studies and research conducted by Andra are aimed at creating, between now and 2015, new temporary storage facilities or the modification of existing facilities in order to meet planned requirements.

The 2006 programme law also provides for the financing of the three avenues of research described above. In particular, it provides for a system of taxes on nuclear installations. Furthermore, the Law secures the financing for long-term nuclear charges by establishing a specific regime applicable to the securing of the reserves which operators must put in place to meet their long-term charges.

A High Committee for Transparency and Information on Nuclear Security is created by Law 2006-686 on transparency and safety of 13 June, 2006. It must regularly organise debates on sustainable management of nuclear wastes.

2.8. Research and development

2.8.1. R&D organizations

In 1945, the French government created a national agency, the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA), for the development of all aspects of atomic energy, including both civil and military applications. Although its responsibilities changed through time, particularly with the transfer of some industrial activities to newly created subsidiaries, CEA has retained most of its early activities and interests in mean and long term R&D, notably in reactor design, fuel concepts, enrichment, waste transmutation and disposal, as well as in technology transfer and fundamental research.

In 2010, the CEA changed its name to better reflect the areas of research it conducted for many years in the field of low carbon energy: nuclear, but also solar, hydrogen generation, fuel cells, electricity storage, housing and transport, transformation of biomass into biofuels. This new name is the “Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives” (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission).

2.8.2. Development of advanced nuclear technologies

The CEA has joined the GIF (Generation IV International Forum) R&D programme to study promising technologies for future nuclear energy systems, addressing in the first place the issues of enhanced safety, sustainability, non-proliferation and economics, and is committed to realize a “Fourth Generation” prototype by 2020.

The French R&D programme on Future Nuclear Systems in the Generation IV framework is focused on fast reactor designs and advanced fuel cycles:

France has given priority to the development of sodium-cooled reactor technology, on which it has already acquired substantial experience and know-how.

The gas-cooled fast breeder reactor (RNR-G) is the alternative long-term technology. The aim is to demonstrate its feasibility as part of a European collaborative project with a view to possible deployment by 2040-2080.

French nuclear actors and potential industrial nuclear heat users are involved in the European « Sustainable Nuclear Energy Research » technological platform.

In June 2005, the site of Cadarache (France) was officially chosen to welcome ITER (International Thermoreactor Experimental Reactor). The construction has started.

The construction of the new experimental fission reactor (100 MWth) called Jules Horowitz was started in 2007. It will be used for experiments on nuclear materials and fuels and production of medical radio-isotopes. The reactor is due to enter into service in 2015

2.8.3. International co-operation and initiatives

France is member of several international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It participates in other bilateral and multilateral organizations such as the World Association of Nuclear Operators, with EDF as member.

France also participates in INPRO, the IAEA project bringing together developers and potential users of future nuclear technologies (or innovative nuclear systems).

As mentioned above, France is also member of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF), the international collective of 12 countries (+ Euratom) dedicated to the development of the next generation of nuclear reactors and fuel cycle technologies.

France participates in IFNEC, the partnership of countries aiming to improve the proliferation-resistance of the nuclear fuel cycle while guaranteeing access to fuel supplies

France participates in the Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP),

a multinational initiative which aims to pool the knowledge of the safety regulators, including statutory responsibility for evaluating new reactors.

2.9. Human resources development

The INSTN (Nuclear Techniques and Sciences National Institute -Institut National des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires) was created in 1956 by the CEA under the authority of the National Education Ministry and the Industry Ministry. Its main mission is to transmit CEA's know-how. It delivers academic diplomas (e.g. Masters), engineer diplomas, and welcomes PhD students. It also offers continuous training. It is ISO 2001 certified and chairs the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN).

The International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN) was created in 2010. Its mission is to provide to foreign partners of France the best training solutions for human resources development in nuclear energy

2.10. Stakeholder communication

No information provided.

3. NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

3.1. Regulatory framework

3.1.1. Regulatory authority(s)

Nuclear legislation in France has developed in successive stages in line with technological advances and growth in the atomic energy field. Therefore, many of the enactments governing nuclear activities are to be found in the general French legislation on environmental protection, water supply, atmospheric pollution, public health and labour.

However, the French Parliament has adopted a number of specific enactments. Examples include Act No. 68-493 (30 October, 1968), setting special rules as to third party liability in the field of nuclear energy, which is distinct from the ordinary French law on third party liability; the 19 July, 1952 Act, now embodied in the Public Health Code, specifying licensing requirements for the use of radioisotopes; Act No. 80-572 of 25 July, 1980 on the protection and control of nuclear materials; Act No. 91-1381 on the management of nuclear wastes. In June 2006, Act 2006-686 on transparency and safety was adopted.

Although French nuclear law is characterized by its variety of sources, as in other countries where nuclear energy has developed, the original features of this legislation derive chiefly from international recommendations or regulations. For example, radiation protection standards are derived from the Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and Directives issued by the European Union (formerly the European Community). Likewise, the French Act of 1968 on the liability of nuclear operators is directly derived from the Paris Convention of 29 July, 1960.

French nuclear legislation began to develop from the time the CEA, the public agency set up by the State in 1945 [Ordinance No. 45-2563 of 18 October, 1945] and formerly reporting directly to the prime minister, no longer held a monopoly for nuclear activities, in other words from the time nuclear energy applications entered the industrial stage, thus requiring the involvement of new nuclear operators. This development had several landmarks: in 1963, a system for licensing and controlling major nuclear installations was introduced, setting government responsibility in matters of population and occupational safety (Decree of 11 December, 1963). Prior to this, procedures concerning the licensing and control of industrial activities were dealt with by the Préfet for each Département. In 1973, this system was expanded to cover the development of the nuclear power programme, and better define the role of government authorities. Finally, the decree of 20 June, 1966 included Euratom Directives as part of the French radiation protection regulations.

In the course of the 1980s, the enactments setting up the CEA were amended so as to strengthen its inter-ministerial status and a tripartite Board of Administration including staff representatives, was created. However, governmental decisions are prepared by the CEA, which acts as a restricted inter-ministerial committee on nuclear energy matters. CEA is now answerable to the Minister for Industry, to the Minister for Research [Decrees No. 93-1272 of 1 December, 1993 and No. 93-796 of 16 April, 1993] and to the Minister of Defence. The main task of CEA was laid down on September 1992 by the Government: concentrate on developing the control of atom uses for purposes of energy, health, defence and industry, while remaining attentive to the requests made by its industrial and research partners. More specifically, the inter-ministerial committee of 1 June, 1999 requested CEA to “strengthen long-term research on future reactors capable of reducing, and even eliminate the production of long-lived radio-active waste”. In addition, CEA was given a particular responsibility for R&D on alternative and renewable energies.

The regulations for large nuclear installations, referred to above, have been supplemented with regard to procedures by an Instruction of 27 March, 1973 and a Decision of the same date (amended by a Decision of 17 December, 1976), which are internal instruments issued by the Minister for Industry. The authorities primarily involved in the licensing procedure for setting up large nuclear installations are the Minister for Industry and the Minister for Ecology and Sustainable Development. For this purpose, the Central Service for Nuclear Installations Safety (SCSIN), set up in 1973 within the Ministry of Industry, had been reshuffled as the Directorate for Nuclear Installations Safety (DSIN).

In the beginning of 2002, the DGSNR was created as a result of the merger of DSIN and the former Central Board for Protection against Ionizing Radiations (Office de Protection contre les rayonnements ionisants, OPRI). As a consequence, in addition to nuclear safety, DGSNR also retained the responsibilities of the former OPRI regarding radioprotection, i.e. carrying out measurements or analytical work in order to determine the level of radioactivity or ionizing radiation that might become hazardous to health in various environmental situations, for individuals as well as for the population as a whole. It also co-ordinated and defined controls for the radiation protection of workers and was involved in the safety plans to be put in action in case of a radioactive incident. DGSNR reported to the Ministers for Industry, Health and Ecology and Sustainable Development. At the local level, DGSNR’s actions were relayed through the nuclear divisions of the Regional Directorates for Industry, Research and Environment (DRIRE). These Directorates are in charge of the survey of nuclear installations and monitoring reactor shutdowns and all pressurized components. They also provide technical support to the “préfet”, the Government local representative, in particular in case of accident.

DGSNR was assisted in decision making by the Institute for Radiation-Protection and Nuclear Safety (Institut de Radio-Protection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - IRSN), itself resulting from the merger of the former IPSN (Institut de Protection et de sûreté nucléaire) and part of the OPRI. The IRSN can also undertake studies or research on protection and nuclear safety problems on request of any concerned ministerial department or agency (Law n°2001-398 AFSSE of 9 May, 2001).

In June 2006, the Act 2006-686 on transparency and safety created the ASN. It is an independent administrative agency headed by 5 members designated by the President of the Republic and the Presidents of the two Parliament Assemblies. The agency is consulted before decisions concerning nuclear safety, nuclear security, and radioprotection are taken by decrees. It can also complete the legislation on technical matters but its decisions may be homologated by the Ministers in charge of these questions. The ASN also has the responsibility of:

  • Organizing and directing the control of nuclear installations (designation of inspectors, delivery of permits etc.).

  • Monitoring radioprotection over the national territory.

  • Proposing and organizing public information on nuclear safety.

  • Establishing the procedures for licensing large nuclear installations (licenses for setting up, commissioning, disposal, etc.).

  • Helping the management of emergency situation in the event of an accident involving radioactive exposures.

3.1.2. Licensing Process

First, ASN examines requests for permission to a creation or decommissioning of nuclear installations, as starting a new reactor, extending its lifetime, the use of MOX fuel, etc. It makes recommendations to the Government on the decrees to be in these areas. After this obligatory step, if the opinion is favorable, French government concludes with the publication of the relevant decree, formalizing authorization.

3.2. Main national laws and regulations in nuclear power

Organisational provisions

Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable development and Energy (MEDDE)

  • General Direction for Energy and Climate (DGEC)

  • General Direction for Risk Prevention (DGPR) /Mission for Nuclear Safety and Radioprotection (MSNR)

  • Decree n° 2008-680 of 9 July 2008, as amended, on the organization of the central administration of the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Territorial Planning.

  • Ordinance of 9 July 2008, as amended, on the organization of the central administration of the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Territorial Planning.

Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission – Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)

Code of Research, Legislative Part, Book III, Title III, Chapter II : Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives -Articles L. 332-1 to L. 332-7 (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission).

  • Ordinance n° 45-2563 of 18 October 1945, as amended, creating an alternative energies and atomic energy commission.

  • Decree n° 70-878 of 29 September 1970, as amended, related to the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (Atomic Energy Commission).

  • Decree n° 72-1158 of 14 December 1972, as amended, implementing decree 70-878 related to the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (Atomic Energy Commission).

  • Law of 9 March 2010 (2010-237): new name for the CEA, as Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission).

Nuclear Safety Authority – Autorité de sûreté nucléaire (ASN)

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IX, Chapter II : The Nuclear Safety Authority -Articles L. 592-1 to L. 592-40 (provisions from the Law n° 2006-686 of 13 June 2006 on nuclear transparency and safety).

  • Ordinance of 15 December 2006 approving the rules of the Nuclear Safety Authority.

Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety – Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire (IRSN)

  • Law n° 2001-398 of 9 May 2001 establishing the French environmental safety agency (article 5 creating the Institute for radiation protection and nuclear safety).

  • Decree n° 2002-254 of 22 February 2002 related to the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety.

National Radioactive Waste Management Agency – Agence nationale pour la gestion des déchets radioactifs (ANDRA)

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IV, Chapter II, art. 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 field of defence

Defence Code, Regulatory Part, Part 1, Book IV, Title I, Chapter II : the Delegate for Nuclear Safety and. Radiation Protection for National Defence Installations and Activities (DSND) – Articles R*. 1412-1 to R*. 1412-6.

  • Defence Code, Regulatory Part, Part 1, Book I, Title III, Chapter II : the General Secretary for National Defence and Security (SGDN) – Articles R*. 1132-1 to D. 1132-6.

  • Decree n° 2009-1180 of 5 October 2009 determining the competence and the organization of the General Delegation for Armament (DGA).

  • Defence Code, Regulatory Part, Part 1, Book I, Title III, Chapter II, Section III, Sub-section 6: the Interministerial Committee for Nuclear or Radiological crisis – Article D. 1132-54.

Regulatory provisions for nuclear installations:

Basic nuclear installations (installations nucléaires de base – INB)

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IX: The Nuclear security and the basic nuclear installations -Articles L. 591-1 to L. 597-46.

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book I, Title II, Chapter V, Section 2: Provisions concerning information specific to nuclear activities – Articles L. 125-1 to L. 125-40.

  • Decree n° 2007-1557 of 2 November 2007 concerning basic nuclear installations and the supervision of the transport of radioactive materials with respect to nuclear safety.

  • Decree n° 2007-830 of 11 May 2007 on the nomenclature of basic nuclear installations.

  • Ministerial order of 7 February 2012 laying down general rules for the basic nuclear installations.

Installations classified on environmental protection grounds (installations classées pour la protection de l’environnement – ICPE)

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title I: the installations classified on environmental protection grounds - Articles L. 511-1 to L. 517-2.

  • Environmental Code, Regulatory Part, Book V, Title I: the installations classified on environmental protection grounds – Articles R. 511-9 to R. 517-10.

Electricity public utility

  • Energy Code, Legislative Part, Book III : Provisions on electricity – Articles L. 311-1 to L. 362-5.

Radiation Protection

Protection of public and environment

  • Public Health Code, Legislative Part, Part I, Book III, Title III, Chapter III: Ionizing radiation - Articles L. 1333-1 to L. 1333-20 and Chapter VI: Penalties - Articles L. 1336-5 to L. 1336-9.

  • Public Health Code, Regulatory Part, Part I, Book III, Title III, Chapter III: Ionizing radiation - Articles R. 1333-1 to R. 1333-93.

  • Ministerial Order of 27 June 2005 related to the national network for collection of environment radioactivity measurements.

Protection of workers

  • Labor Code, Legislative Part, Part IV, Book IV, Title IV, Chapter I: Prevention of risks of exposure to ionizing radiations – Articles L. 4451-1 and L. 4451-2.

  • Labor Code, Regulatory Part, Part IV, Book IV, Title IV, Chapter I : Prevention of risks of exposure to ionizing radiations – Articles R. 4451-1 to R. 4451-144.

  • Decree n° 75-306 of 28 April 1975, as amended, relating to protection of workers in basic nuclear installations.

Radiological emergency

  • Public Health Code, Regulatory Part, Part I, Book III, Title III, Chapter III, Section VI : Radiological emergency and long-term exposure to ionizing radiation – Articles R. 1333-75 to R. 1333-94.

  • Ministerial Order of 20 December 2002 establishing the national reference guide on radiological hazards.

  • Ministerial Order of 20 November 2009 approving the decision n° 2009-DC-0153 of the Nuclear Safety Authority of 18 August 2009 on Intervention Levels in case of a Radiological Emergency .

  • Inter-ministerial Instruction of 7 April 2005 on the actions of the administration in case of an event leading to a radiological emergency situation.

  • Ministerial Order of 4 November 2005 relating to information of populations in case of radiological emergency situations.

  • Inter-ministerial Instruction of 29 November 2005 on the implementation and processing of measurements of radioactivity in the environment in case of an event leading to a radiological emergency situation.

Regulatory regime for radioactive materials

  • Defence Code, Legislative Part, Part I, Book II, Title III, Chapter III: nuclear materials and installations - Articles L. 1333-1 to L. 1333-14.

  • Defence Code, Regulatory Part, Part I, Book II, Title III, Chapter III: nuclear materials and installations - Articles R. 1333-1 to R. 1333-78.

  • Inter-ministerial Instruction of 28 March 1977 instituting the assistance regime for uranium prospecting.

  • Ministerial Order of 24 September 1996 setting the conditions for the assignment of nuclear materials to military use.

  • Ministerial Order of 26 January 2004 concerning protection of national defence secrecy in the field of protection and control of nuclear materials, implementing decree n° 98-608 of 17 July 1998 concerning protection of national Defence secrecy.

  • Circular of 26 January 2004 implementing Ministerial Order of 26 January 2004 concerning protection of national defence secret in the field of protection and control of nuclear materials.

  • Ministerial Order of 18 August 2010 concerning the protection and control of the nuclear materials during transport.

  • Ministerial Order of 31 May 2011 concerning monitoring, accounting and physical protection measures applicable to nuclear material subject to a declaration as well as the form and terms of the declaration.

  • Ministerial Order of 9 June 2011 laying down the conditions for implementation of the physical monitoring and accounting of nuclear materials whose detention is subject to a licence.

  • Ministerial Order of 10 June 2011 concerning the physical protection of the installations housing nuclear materials whose detention is subject to a licence.

  • Ministerial Order of 5 August 2011 concerning the terms and form of the licence required by the article L. 1333-2 of the defence Code.

Radioactive waste management

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IV, Chapter II: Specific provisions for the Sustainable Management of the Radioactive Materials and Waste - Articles L. 542-1 to L. 542-14.

  • Law n° 2000-174 of 4 March 2000 authorizing the approval of the Joint Convention on the safety of spent fuel management and on the safety of radioactive waste management.

  • Planning Law n° 2006-739 of 28 June 2006 concerning the Sustainable Management of Radioactive Materials and Waste.

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IV, Chapter II : Specific provisions for the Sustainable Management of the Radioactive Materials and Waste - Articles R. 542-1 to R. 542-73.

Decree of 3 August 1999, as amended, licensing Andra to implement and operate on the territory of Bure an underground laboratory to study deep geological formations in which radioactive waste could be stored.

Civil Liability

  • Environmental Code, Legislative Part, Book V, Title IX, Chapter VII: Provisions applicable to the Civil Liability in the field of Nuclear Energy.

  • Decree n° 69-154 of 6 February 1969 related to the publication of the Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy of 29 July 1960, as amended by the Additional Protocol of 28 January 1964 and by the Protocol of 16 November 1982 (Paris Convention).

  • Decree n° 94-308 of 14 April 1994 related to the publication of the Convention of 31st January 1963 Supplementary to the Paris Convention of 29th July 1960, as amended by the additional Protocol of 28th January 1964 and by the Protocol of 16th November 1982 (Brussels Convention).

  • 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: Exceptional and nuclear risks - Articles R. 431-27 to R. 431-29.

  • Insurance Code, Regulatory Part, Book III, and Title III, Chapter I: Technical provisions of others insurance operations, art. R. 331-6.

  • Decisions of 27 October 1977 concerning exclusion of small quantities of nuclear substances out of nuclear civil liability Convention, from the AEN Committee of Directors.

  • Decree n° 91-355 of 12 April 1991 implementing article 4 of Law 68-943 of 30 October 1968 defining the characteristics of reduced risks installations.

Nuclear Test-Ban

  • Law n° 98-217 of 27 March 1998 authorizing the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Appendix 1: International, Multilateral and Bilateral Agreements

AGREEMENTS WITH THE IAEA

  • Agreement on privileges and immunities

  • Non-Party
    • Voluntary offer: Agreement with the European Atomic Energy Community for 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 for the application of safeguards in France

  • Entry into force: 30 April 2004
    • Safeguards Agreement under the additional protocol I to the Tlatelolco Treaty; GOV/1998/31

    Entry into force: 21 October 2007
    • Tlatlelolco Treaty


    • Additional protocol n°1

    Entry into force: 24 August 1992
    • Additional protocol n°2

    Entry into force: 22 March 1974
    • EURATOM

    Member
    OTHER MULTILATERAL SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENTS WITH 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 co-operation 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

    • NPT

    Entry into force: 3 August 1992
  • Convention on physical protection of
    nuclear material
    INFCIRC/274

  • Entry into force: 6 October 1991
    • Convention on assistance in the case
      of a nuclear accident or radiological
      emergency; INFCIRC/336

    Entry into force: 6 April 1989
    • Vienna conventions on civil liability for nuclear damage

    Non Party
    • Paris conventions on third party liability in the field of nuclear energy

    Entry into force of 9 March 1966
    • Joint protocol relating to the application of the Vienna and Paris conventions

    Signature: 21 June 1989
    • Protocol to amend the Vienna convention

    Not signed on civil liability for nuclear damage
    • Convention on supplementary

    Not signed compensation for nuclear damage
    • Convention on nuclear safety

    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

    • 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 / Russian Federation

    Signature: 19 April 1996
    • France / Ukraine

    Signature: 3 September 1998
    • France / Japan

    Signature: 26 February 1972
    • France / Mexico

    Signature: 2 February 1979
    • France / Egypt

    Signature: 27 March 1981
    • France / Republic of Korea

    Signature: 4 April 1981
    • France / Switzerland

    Signature: 5 December 1988
    • France / Argentina

    Signature: 21 April 1994
    • France / China

    Signature: 15 May 1997
    • 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 / Russian Federation (on civil nuclear liability)


  • Signature: 20 June 2000

    Appendix 2: main organizations, institutions and companies involved in nuclear power related activities

    Direction Générale de l’Energie et du Climat (DGEC), MEEDDM
    Grande Arche de la Défense Paris Nord
    F-92055 la Défense Cedex


    Tel: +33 (0)1 40 90 20 00
    http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/
    ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION


    Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et
    aux énergies alternatives(CEA)
    Saclay .
    91191 Gif sur Yvette


    Tel: +33 (0)1 69 08 60 00
    http://www.cea.fr/
    Institut National des Sciences et Techniques
    Nucléaires (INSTN, National Institute for
    Nuclear Science and Technology;
    also under the Ministry of Education)


    http://www.instn.fr/
    OTHER NUCLEAR ORGANIZATIONS


    ASN
    6 place du colonel Bourguoin
    F-75012 Paris


    Tel: +33 (0)1 40 19 86 00
    http://www.asn.gouv.fr
    Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire
    (IRSN, Nuclear Safety and Radioprotection Institute)
    BP17
    F-92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex


    Tel: +33 (0)1 58 35 88 88
    Fax: +33 (0)1 58 35 84 51
    http://www.irsn.fr/
    Comité Interministériel de la Sécurité Nucléaire
    13, rue de Bourgogne
    F-75007 Paris


    Tel: +33 (0)1 43 19 56 78
    Agence Nationale pour la Gestion
    des Déchets Radioactifs (ANDRA)
    Parc de la Croix Blanche
    1-7, rue Jean Monnet
    F-92298 Chatenay-Malabry Cedex


    Tel: +33 (0)1 46 11 80 00
    Fax: +33 (0)1 46 11 82 68
    http://www.andra.fr/
    OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY


    Electricité de France (EDF)
    22 -30, avenue de Wagram
    F-75382 Paris Cedex 08


    Tel: +33 (0)1 40 42 22 22
    Fax: +33 (0)1 40 42 13 32
    http://www.edf.fr/
    AREVA SA
    33 rue Lafayette
    F-75442–ParisCedex09


    Tel: +33 (0)1 34 96 00 00
    Fax: +33 (0)1 34 96 00 01
    http://www.arevagroup.com
    AREVA NC
    33 rue Lafayette
    F-75442 Paris Cedex 09


    Tel: +33 (0)1 34 96 00 00
    Fax: +33 (0)1 34 96 00 01
    http://www.areva-nc.com

    AREVA NP
    Tour AREVA
    1 place Jean Milier
    F-92084 Paris-La Défense Cedex


    Tel.: +33 (0)1 34 96 60 10
    http://www.areva-np.com
    HIGH ENERGY INSTITUTES


    Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)


    http://www.cnrs.fr/
    European Synchrotron Radiation Facility – Grenoble
    (ESRF)


    http://www.esrf.fr/
    Institut National de Physique Nucléaire
    et de Physique des Particules (IN2P3)


    http://www.in2p3.fr:80/
    Laboratoire pour I'Utilisation du Rayonnement
    Electromagnétique - CNRS (LURE)


    http://www.lure.u-psud.fr/
    Synchrotron SOLEIL


    http://www.synchrotron-soleil.fr/
    DRFC-CEA Cadarache (Département de Recherches sur la Fusion Contrôlée)


    http://www.cad.cea.fr/r50.htm
    INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS


    European Science Foundation


    http://www.esf.org/
    European Space Agency (ESA)


    http://www.esa.int/
    IEA International Energy Agency


    http://www.iea.org/
    Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD (NEA)


    http://www.nea.fr/
    Organization for Economic Co-operation
    and Development (OECD)


    http://www.oecd.org/
    OTHER ORGANIZATIONS


    Société Française de l'Energie Nucléaire
    (SFEN)


    http://www.sfen.org/
    World Council of Nuclear Workers (WONUC)


    http://www.wonuc.org/

    Name of report coordinator:

    Ms Françoise Thais

    Institution:

    CEA/DEN/DANS/I-Tésé

    Bât. 125 p. 264

    CEN Saclay

    91191 GIF SUR YVETTE CEDEX

    FRANCE

    Contacts:

    Tel.: +33 1 69 08 43 52

    Fax: +358 9 160 62664

    Email: francoise.thais@cea.fr