The French population and radioactive waste How does the French population perceive radioactive waste (6)? The production of radioactive waste remains a major argument against nuclear energy, even more so than the risk of accident. However, since 2019, the share of the French population associating radioactive waste with a high level of risk has been falling (48% in 2022 as compared with 57% on average between 1997 and 2018). When it comes to waste management, 33% of the French population in 2022 considered that it is now “possible to dispose of radioactive waste safely”, or 3 points more than the previous year. Moreover, most of the French population (68%) want to see rapid decision-making and action on this subject, with only 6% of them stating that the most reasonable position is to “leave the choice up to future generations”. This opinion has indeed been unchanged since 2005. Public participation To accompany this strong concern on the part of society, new methods of consultation have been proposed to the public in recent years. One could mention the public debate and then the ongoing Radioactive waste is one of the major concerns of the French population, which wishes to see firm action by the public authorities in this field. Involvement of the public is thus crucial so that they can be informed, take part in the drafting of projects and enhance the legitimacy of the decisions taken by the stakeholders. consultation on the Cigéo deep geological repository* project, the public debate concerning the 5th edition of the PNGMDR*, and the public consultation regarding the increased capacity of the industrial centre for the disposal of very low-level radioactive waste (Acaci). For its part, ASN consults the public on each draft resolution concerning radioactive waste, via its website asn.fr. During its review of the Cigéo creation authorisation application, ASN for the first time conducted a consultation exercise with the stakeholders (producers, NGO, Anccli, Bure CLI and CLIS) concerning the draft of the referral sent to IRSN. ASN’s aim is thus to dialogue with the stakeholders, in order to understand and identify their primary expectations and concerns regarding nuclear safety* and radiation protection*, so that they can be considered in the technical review of the Cigéo creation authorisation application. The information collected will contribute to the selection, ranking and weighting of the technical subjects to be examined during the course of the review. This consultation takes place within a regulated review period and will therefore be held in accordance with a defined schedule. * See glossary page 34 6. Results taken from the IRSN 2023 barometer on the perception of risks and safety. 28 • Les cahiers de l’ASN • May 2024 INFORMING THE PUBLIC
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