France: Concerns surrounding an SMR project in the Marne department

The Robin des Bois association expresses concern about the Jimmy start-up's plan to install a mini-nuclear reactor on a Cristal Union site in the Marne department, pointing out the potential risks associated with its Seveso high threshold classification.
Cristanol réacteur

Partagez:

French nuclear start-up Jimmy plans to set up its first SMR at Cristanol’s Bazancourt site, operated by Cristal Union. This site, classified as Seveso high threshold, processes hazardous substances to produce alcohol and bioethanol. The project, still subject to government approval, could significantly transform the energy supply to local industry.

Reservations and concerns

During a March 28 meeting of the French High Committee for Transparency and Information on Nuclear Safety (HCTISN), this project was presented to members, without initially naming the manufacturer concerned. Upon inquiry, the Jimmy start-up confirmed the name of the interested industrial customer, while specifying that the project remained subject to “a lengthy appraisal process by the authorities”.

Official declarations and approval process

“Jimmy has launched a feasibility study for an installation of this type on the Bazancourt / Cristanol site. This project is necessarily subject to validation, by the competent authorities, of all the safety and security guarantees”, the company told AFP. Questions have been raised about the safety of these small reactors, with mixed reactions to their presentation.

Committee feedback and future planning

Christine Noiville, President of the HCTISN, pointed out that “the HCTISN organizes information sessions on this subject precisely so that it can be addressed in all its dimensions and with complete transparency”. Jimmy plans to “submit a request for authorization to create (DAC) by the end of the month”, to the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, which will then have to refer the matter to the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) for appraisal.

Scheduled for submission on April 22, “Jimmy” would be the first SMR project to enter the regulatory phase in France. Jimmy’s helium-cooled, 20-megawatt thermal “micro-reactor” is designed to supply “decarbonized” heat to industry, which is currently a major consumer of fossil fuels, by 2026.

  • Populaires ​
Global microgrid market to reach 191 billion dollars by 2033
Wood Mackenzie forecasts $1.35 trillion for CCUS and carbon credits markets
Google signs world’s first fusion energy purchase agreement
France Officially Launches Its First Floating Wind Farm in the Mediterranean
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
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.
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.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
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