SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

France: Agreement between MPs and Senators on ASN-IRSN merger

An agreement was reached between deputies and senators on the merger of ASN and IRSN on Wednesday April 3. The next vote, scheduled for April 9, will seal the fate of this reform.

Share:

Accord sénat assemblée ASN IRSN 3 avril

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE

MPs and senators reached agreement on Wednesday on the bill to merge ASN and IRSN, formalizing the creation of a new entity, the Autorité de sûreté nucléaire et de radioprotection (ASNR). This legislative breakthrough, the result of a joint commission (CMP), aims to strengthen the governance of the nuclear sector through a more integrated organization. The aim announced by the government is to streamline the sector, which is in the midst of an atomic revival, by merging these two pillars, which have around 530 and 1,740 agents respectively.

Controversy and consensus

The debate surrounding the reform was particularly animated by the distinction between the roles of decision-makers and experts within the future ASNR. Despite objections, notably from Socialist MP Anna Pic, who criticizes the end of the separation between these two functions, a consensus was reached. According to Les Républicains senator Patrick Chaize, co-rapporteur on this text, the aim of this reform is to clarify roles while preserving the effectiveness and independence of nuclear safety assessment.

Procedures and policy implications

The agreement also provides for a new nomination process for the Orano Group Chairman, underlining a desire to strengthen political control over key appointments in the nuclear sector. This process, based on Article 13 of the Constitution, marks a significant step forward in the relationship between the executive and the nuclear sector. Thanks to the Office parlementaire d’évaluation des choix scientifiques et technologiques, the Senators have also obtained a right of scrutiny over the ASNR’s draft internal regulations, highlighting the importance of parliamentary oversight and control over this new structure.

The draft reform of nuclear safety governance will be put to a final vote in both chambers on April 9, with the outcome particularly closely scrutinized in the National Assembly, where deputies approved the reform by just one vote on March 19. This suspenseful vote, notably due to the surprise opposition of the Rassemblement National, highlights the political divisions and diverse expectations regarding the future of nuclear safety in France.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
OSW raises USD 5.5 million to support its global solar market expansion
Sinopec Shanghai Posts Half-Year Loss Amid Declining Petrochemical Demand
Ukrainian Arrested in Italy for Alleged Role in Nord Stream Sabotage
The U.S. Department of Energy Extends Operations of a Coal Plant in the Midwest
Investments in Green Hydrogen Expected to Reach USD 510 Billion by 2032
NANO Nuclear Advances to Final Round of US Army’s xTechSearch 9 Competition
NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.
Aalo Atomics raises USD 100 million to launch its first nuclear power plant
Aalo Atomics completes Series B funding, bringing its total to USD 136 million, to build its first modular nuclear power plant dedicated to data centers.
Malaysia Launches Strategic Study on Civil Nuclear Potential
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
Premier American Uranium finalizes the acquisition of Nuclear Fuels with Court approval
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Google and Kairos Power to Build a 50 MW Nuclear Reactor in Tennessee
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
X-energy and the Pentagon Accelerate Nuclear Microreactor for National Security
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
NANO Nuclear Raises $209 Million and Accelerates Microreactor Deployment
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix secures 20 Radiant microreactors and a nuclear deal in the Netherlands
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.
Oklo selected for three pilot projects by U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.
Eleven US companies selected to fast-track small nuclear reactor testing
The United States Department of Energy has selected eleven companies to build experimental nuclear reactors by July 2026, under a programme aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.
South Africa confirms environmental authorisation for Duynefontein nuclear power plant
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
The United Kingdom prepares major reform of nuclear regulation
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
Radiant signs contract to deliver nuclear microreactor to the US military in 2028
Radiant has signed an agreement with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to supply a portable nuclear microreactor, marking a first in mass production for military use.
Gravelines’ six reactors shut down after massive jellyfish invasion
The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
IAEA confirms tritium levels well below limits for 14th batch of ALPS-treated water
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 14th batch of ALPS-treated water discharged by TEPCO remains well below Japan’s operational limit.
Surveys for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant enter active phase
Field studies to determine the location of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant have begun near the village of Ulken, marking a key stage in a project led by Rosatom.
China begins construction of the first two nuclear reactors at Jinqimen
China’s nuclear safety authority has approved the construction of units 1 and 2 at the Jinqimen plant, authorising the start of foundation work for the first reactor.
India launches a two-pronged strategy to accelerate nuclear power by 2047
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus paves the way for strategic nuclear cooperation with Uzbekistan
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
HYLENR raises $3 mn to accelerate commercialisation of its industrial LENR reactors
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Consent Preferences