In France, the 56 reactors of the NPP fleet in operation* are all PWRs and although their power varies from one reactor to another, they are of similar design. The lessons learned from the decommissioning of the two Fessenheim reactors will be valuable for those that are to follow in the coming years. They will supplement the lessons already learned from the ongoing decommissioning of Chooz A. These decommissioning operations will also benefit from significant international experience feedback: 42 PWRs are being decommissioned around the world at the present time. Will the decommissioning of the Fessenheim NPP act as a “laboratory” for the reactors to be shut down in the coming years? The licensees are required to cover the cost of decommissioning (and all related operations) of their installations, on the basis of the “polluter-pays” principle. They are required to make provision for all the costs linked to decommissioning and waste management and must thus create a “portfolio of assets able to cover the anticipated costs”. This is under the direct control of the State, based on an analysis of the options that could be reasonably expected for carrying out all the operations. This financial guarantee system is defined in the Environment Code and takes account of decommissioning, including clean-out of structures and soils, as well as management of waste and spent fuels. How is decommissioning financed? Is advance provision made for these costs? Do you think that nuclear installations will be decommissioned safely? Every year, ASN produces a barometer measuring the opinion of the general public and local residents around the NPPs regarding nuclear safety in France as well as their positions concerning nuclear energy. One of the questions deals with decommissioning. The general public and local residents are divided over the fact that the installations will be decommissioned in good conditions, while the informed public ( journalists, politicians/local elected officials, teachers, health professionals, association militants, etc.) are far more confident. Survey conducted with 2309 respondents by KANTAR Public, between October and December 2019: Total – n = 2007 for the general public (including 329 for BNI* local residents * 0-10 km) / n = 302 for the informed public. Decommissioning challenges • 27 GENERAL PUBLIC Yes Yes Yes 40% No No No 46% LOCAL RESIDENTS 0-10KM AROUND A BNI* 49% 40% INFORMED PUBLIC 72% 26%
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