Fessenheim: EDF criticized for a public debate deemed biased by 3 associations

Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.

Partagez:

The technocenter project proposed by EDF in Fessenheim (Haut-Rhin) is facing growing controversy. The site is intended for the recycling of very low-level radioactive metals from the decommissioning of French nuclear facilities. Despite the stated goal of transforming these metals into ingots for various uses, the methodology of the public debate launched by the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) is under scrutiny.

Criticism from the associations

On Wednesday, three local associations — Alsace Nature, Stop Fessenheim, and Citizens Vigilant of the Fessenheim Area — announced their withdrawal from the consultation. They denounce a process they consider biased, pointing to the disproportionate speaking time granted to EDF, the project’s proponent.

In a joint statement, they said: “We must acknowledge that instead of a debate, we are facing a biased monologue. The conditions for balanced exchanges are not met.” The organizations also criticized the lack of clear answers to questions posed during public meetings.

A call to revise the consultation

The associations are urging EDF and the CNDP to fundamentally rethink the consultation framework. They demand more neutral facilitation and accessible information to ensure a clear understanding of the project’s stakes. According to them, without these adjustments, the current consultation would be nothing more than a “mockery of a debate.”

EDF, for its part, asserts that the findings from these discussions will help prepare the necessary authorizations for launching the project. The company emphasizes the importance of this process in addressing local concerns and ensuring transparency regarding environmental and economic impacts.

A climate of distrust

The project, located on unused land from the decommissioned nuclear power plant shut down in 2020, faces growing skepticism. While EDF highlights the reduction of radioactive waste and the development of a circular economy, some local actors fear unanticipated consequences for the region’s environment and economy.

The National Commission for Public Debate has yet to respond to the associations’ criticism. However, the management of public consultations in the nuclear sector could become a strategic issue for EDF’s future development projects.

  • Populaires ​
Europe extends gas storage obligations until 2027
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Chinese independent refiners poised to increase fuel oil imports
Austria introduces a 20% bonus for European photovoltaic equipment
Longi and Pertamina launch 1.6 GW solar plant in Indonesia
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
Four European organisations join forces to develop innovative nuclear reactor
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS