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.

Share:

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 ​
Glencore in talks with London over future of insolvent Lindsey oil refinery
US oil inventories unexpectedly rise by 3.8 million barrels
Global Oil Exploration Investments Decline, a First Since 2020
TotalEnergies sells 50% of its renewable assets in Portugal for €178.5mn
Madagascar signs with Global South Utilities to develop up to 250 MW solar
Lithuanian nuclear operator SE Ignalina signs agreement with Newcleo
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egypt: Supplementary agreements signed for the El Dabaa nuclear power plant
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra obtains approval to extend Perry nuclear plant operations
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF injects €1.3 billion into Sizewell C, its second British EPR
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
France: Cigéo nuclear waste underground storage project makes significant progress
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF launches its nuclear Technocentre in Fessenheim, estimated investment of €450 million
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear signs strategic agreement with UrAmerica on Argentine uranium
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
SHINE and Standard Nuclear form strategic partnership on recycled fuel
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.
Floating nuclear power plants evaluated to supply Mediterranean regions
The American Bureau of Shipping and two nuclear sector companies are studying the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy needs of island and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, notably via electricity and desalination.
Lithuania explores nuclear option with small modular reactors
Lithuania establishes a working group tasked with assessing the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors to meet electricity demand estimated at 74 TWh by 2050.
Framatome wins two major contracts to extend Belgian nuclear operations
Framatome has secured two significant contracts from Electrabel covering modernisation and technical support for the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 nuclear reactors, as part of their extension agreed upon between Engie and the Belgian government.
Egypt accelerates El-Dabaa national grid connection for 2026
Cairo is stepping up connection works for the planned 4,800 MW El-Dabaa nuclear plant, developed with Rosatom, to feed the grid from 2026 with output equal to about seven % of national electricity.
EDF postpones restart of Flamanville EPR to August 13
EDF extends Flamanville EPR's shutdown to August 13 to conduct technical checks on three valves of the reactor's primary circuit, initially scheduled to resume production this week.
United States selects Westinghouse and Radiant to test their nuclear microreactors
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova and Fortum launch major nuclear project in Scandinavia
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels extracts 638,700 pounds of uranium at Pinyon Plain mine
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
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.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING