The French government plans to merge the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) with other organizations. This decision raises questions about the fate of French expertise in nuclear safety. The government wants to launch a construction program of six to fourteen reactors and meet the deadlines. IRSN employees will be divided between the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), which is responsible for regulating the sector, and the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). However, this decision is causing concern and the IRSN staff unions are calling for a strike on February 20.
A reform to “go faster
The French government has announced the merger of IRSN with other organizations in order to “strengthen the ASN”. Experts believe that this decision was taken to “go faster” in the context of a construction program of six to fourteen reactors. The Ministry of Energy Transition stated that this was not a criticism of IRSN’s work, but rather a desire to strengthen ASN.
Concerns about the independence and quality of expertise
Experts believe that the decision to merge IRSN with other organizations raises concerns about the independence and quality of expertise. IRSN employees have acquired know-how that is recognized in France and abroad. Merging with other organizations could result in the loss of this expertise. The IRSN staff unions called for a strike on February 20 to protest this decision.
A questioning of the independence of research
The merger of IRSN with other organizations raises questions about the independence of research. Experts believe that the ancestors of the IRSN gradually emancipated themselves from the CEA after the Chernobyl accident. The IRSN monitors the level of radioactivity in France and in neighboring countries on a daily basis, and informs the public in the event of a nuclear event. The CGT of the IRSN wonders about the management of a possible nuclear accident in which the IRSN would play “an important role” today. Discussions on the reform are just beginning and the department estimates that it will take a year to a year and a half to implement.
