News releases

All the news about nuclear safety and radiation protection

476 news

Published on 10/06/2011 at 15:29

ASN participates in the international forum on Fukushima accident

The nuclear regulatory authorities of the G8, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) member countries and associated countries met today in Paris to discuss insights gained in relation to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident and to decide on appropriate follow-up actions at the international level.

Published on 26/05/2011 at 10:59

ASN is very pleased with the agreement reached on European "stress test" ...

On Wednesday, 25 May, the Chairman of ENSREG, Andrej Stritar, accompanied by EU Energy Commissioner Günter Oettinger, announced that an agreement had been reached between the Nuclear Safety Regulators of the 27 EU Member States and the Commission with regard to stress tests for European nuclear power plants. These audits can be officially launched as of 1 June 2011.

Published on 26/05/2011 at 10:57

Environmental radioactivity monitoring adopted in France

To estimate radioactivity levels across French territory following releases from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, ASN asked operators[1] to demonstrate particular vigilance regarding the results of measurements made and to step up monitoring. Additional analyses were requested by ASN on 22 March 2011 relative to monitoring the air, entailing measuring the radioactivity levels of aerosols and gaseous iodines.

Published on 24/05/2011 at 00:00

ASN asks EDF to carry out a full analysis of sensitivity and uncertainties ...

Following its examination of the “Fuel Cycle” file, ASN has asked EDF, in a letter dated 9 May 2011, to produce a full analysis of sensitivity and uncertainties relating to nuclear fuel management within a year and to update this analysis every two years; ASN has also asked EDF to submit to it a new update of the “French Fuel Cycle” file in 2016. Further requests have also been made regarding technical aspects of management of and developments in new fuels, as well as storing spent fuel.

Published on 05/05/2011 at 14:45

Second International Seminar on Post Nuclear Accident Management

The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) is organising, with the support of the French Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (OPECST), an international seminar on post nuclear accidents, i.e., managing the consequences of a nuclear accident.

Published on 26/04/2011 at 10:49

Reactor vessel head for the Flamanville EPR

In November 2010, AREVA NP detected defects in several nozzle penetration* welds during its regulatory manufacturing inspections of the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor vessel head.

Published on 22/04/2011 at 10:47

French audit and European stress tests at nuclear facilities

ASN believes that it is essential to learn from the recent accident in Japan, in the same way as after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents. The acquisition of in-depth feedback will involve a long process stretching over several years. Some lessons, however, can already be learned.

Published on 19/04/2011 at 10:41

Health and safety inspection at EPR reactor

ASN oversees occupational health and safety inspection at French nuclear power plants [1]. It provides coordinated oversight of the health, safety, working conditions and quality of employment of EDF employees, as well as those of EDF service providers and subcontractors, just as it does for nuclear safety at facilities. This activity covers the construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants [2].

Published on 12/04/2011 at 10:40

Specifications for the French audit and European stress tests

ASN believes that it is essential to learn from the recent accident in Japan, in the same way as after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents. The acquisition of in-depth feedback will involve a long process stretching over several years.

Published on 07/04/2011 at 10:39

Nuclear operators' cost assessments for decommissioning

As requested by the Minister of Energy, ASN issued its opinion on the reports submitted by nuclear operators mid 2010, in accordance with Article 20 of Programme Act No. 2006-739 of 28 June 2006 on the sustainable management of radioactive materials and waste [1].

Published on 01/04/2011 at 10:34

ASN presents its 2010 annual report to the French Parliamentary

ASN presented its report on nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2010 at a hearing of OPECST, the French Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technical Choices, on Wednesday 30 March 2011. The hearing provided an opportunity to pass on information to members of parliament and the press.

Published on 30/03/2011 at 10:33

ASN Commissioner Philippe Jamet's visit to Japan

On 30 March 2011, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, accompanied by Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, France's Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing, went to Japan to meet Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, and convey a message of solidarity from the French people following the dramatic events of 11 March.

Published on 28/03/2011 at 10:28

Additional safety audit requested by the Prime Minister

On 23 March 2011, French Prime Minister, François Fillon, asked ASN, under Article 8 of the Nuclear Security and Transparency Act, to conduct an additional safety audit at every nuclear facility in France, in light of current events at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant.