Connection

popular articles

Brazil: STF approves 370 MW of solar power plants
Texas energy grid resilience in the face of natural disasters
Germany needs €300 billion to modernize its networks by 2050
BP expects impairments of up to $2 billion in 2Q 2024
Waga Energy and Engie sign France’s longest biomethane contract

France: IRSN reform worries experts

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. 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.

Please share:

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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Moldova reduces industrial activity by 80% in Transnistria after gas cutoff
France sets electricity export record with 89 TWh in 2024
Bulgaria and Hungary invest in two green corridors to Central Europe
Serbia finances solar energy in 30 municipalities with 168 million dinars
The United States Orders Enel to Dismantle a 150 MW Wind Farm

Recently published in

India invests in 457 GW to meet growing energy demand

India reaches an installed energy capacity of 457 GW in 2023, doubling in a decade. This growth highlights the delicate balance between energy transition and the need to meet rising electricity demand.
Portugal achieves 71% renewable electricity in 2024 according to REN
In 2024, renewable energy in Portugal accounted for 71% of electricity consumption, a record driven by significant growth in photovoltaic and hydropower production, according to the national grid operator REN.
en_11401094540
Portugal achieves 71% renewable electricity in 2024 according to REN
In 2024, renewable energy in Portugal accounted for 71% of electricity consumption, a record driven by significant growth in photovoltaic and hydropower production, according to the national grid operator REN.
en_11401094540
Iran announces 60% uranium enrichment ahead of Geneva meeting
Iran will meet European diplomats in Geneva on January 13 amidst controversy over its 60% uranium enrichment, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
en_11401086540
Iran announces 60% uranium enrichment ahead of Geneva meeting
Iran will meet European diplomats in Geneva on January 13 amidst controversy over its 60% uranium enrichment, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
en_11401086540
Puerto Rico under pressure as 1.25 million households impacted by power outage
A massive power outage plunged Puerto Rico into darkness on New Year's Eve, affecting more than a million households. The structural challenges of the energy grid reveal significant shortcomings.
en_11401078540
Puerto Rico under pressure as 1.25 million households impacted by power outage
A massive power outage plunged Puerto Rico into darkness on New Year's Eve, affecting more than a million households. The structural challenges of the energy grid reveal significant shortcomings.
en_11401078540

Finland accuses Eagle S of sabotage affecting 40 km of undersea cable

A suspected sabotage of the EstLink 2 cable connecting Finland to Estonia results in travel bans for seven sailors. A thorough investigation highlights significant geopolitical implications.
The United Arab Emirates adjusts Murban crude exports to 1.744 million b/d for December 2025
ADNOC forecasts 1.744 million barrels per day for its Murban crude exports in December 2025, a slight drop compared to November. March 2025 will experience a significant reduction of 70,000 barrels per day.
en_11401061540
The United Arab Emirates adjusts Murban crude exports to 1.744 million b/d for December 2025
ADNOC forecasts 1.744 million barrels per day for its Murban crude exports in December 2025, a slight drop compared to November. March 2025 will experience a significant reduction of 70,000 barrels per day.
en_11401061540
France: The end of the tariff shield leads to a 14% decrease in electricity bills
Despite the end of the tariff shield on February 1, French households will benefit from a 14% reduction in their electricity bills. This measure is tied to the absence of adoption of the 2025 budget, which nevertheless has side effects.
en_11401058540
France: The end of the tariff shield leads to a 14% decrease in electricity bills
Despite the end of the tariff shield on February 1, French households will benefit from a 14% reduction in their electricity bills. This measure is tied to the absence of adoption of the 2025 budget, which nevertheless has side effects.
en_11401058540
EDF concludes unanimous salary agreement with 2.7% increase
EDF and its representative unions finalize a salary agreement for 2025. The deal includes a global increase of 2.7%, while negotiations remain open in several gas sector companies.
en_11401054540
EDF concludes unanimous salary agreement with 2.7% increase
EDF and its representative unions finalize a salary agreement for 2025. The deal includes a global increase of 2.7%, while negotiations remain open in several gas sector companies.
en_11401054540

France proposes a 12% reduction in energy consumption by 2030

The Environmental Authority calls for increased efforts to ensure France meets European climate goals, emphasizing a significant reduction in energy consumption to align with the requirements of the "Fit for 55" plan.
Moldova supports 55% pro-European votes amid Russian pressures
Re-elected with 55% of the votes, Maia Sandu embodies the pro-European choice of Moldovans. This decision, however, faces external interference and a growing energy crisis.
en_11401025540
Moldova supports 55% pro-European votes amid Russian pressures
Re-elected with 55% of the votes, Maia Sandu embodies the pro-European choice of Moldovans. This decision, however, faces external interference and a growing energy crisis.
en_11401025540
The United States strengthens its climate target with a 66% reduction in emissions
The new American plan aims for a 66% reduction in emissions by 2035, focusing on local policies and investments in clean energy, with significant implications for markets and regulation.
en_11401014540
The United States strengthens its climate target with a 66% reduction in emissions
The new American plan aims for a 66% reduction in emissions by 2035, focusing on local policies and investments in clean energy, with significant implications for markets and regulation.
en_11401014540
Colombia sanctioned for violations on 370 km of U’wa indigenous lands linked to energy projects
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has condemned Colombia for violating U'wa rights by approving seven energy projects impacting 370 km of their protected ancestral lands.
en_1140990540
Colombia sanctioned for violations on 370 km of U’wa indigenous lands linked to energy projects
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has condemned Colombia for violating U'wa rights by approving seven energy projects impacting 370 km of their protected ancestral lands.
en_1140990540

Germany: Olaf Scholz Faces Electricity Price Surge at €936/MWh

Green electricity outages in Germany jeopardize Olaf Scholz’s energy policy. Amid internal criticism and European tensions, the German model is under scrutiny ahead of the legislative elections.
Spanish Parliament Rejects the Continuation of the Tax on Energy Companies
Spanish lawmakers rejected the continuation of an exceptional tax on energy companies, highlighting significant parliamentary disagreement and raising concerns about the future of investments tied to the country's energy transition.
en_1140993540
Spanish Parliament Rejects the Continuation of the Tax on Energy Companies
Spanish lawmakers rejected the continuation of an exceptional tax on energy companies, highlighting significant parliamentary disagreement and raising concerns about the future of investments tied to the country's energy transition.
en_1140993540
The EU Introduces a CO2 Label for Air Travel
Starting July 2025, a European label will allow passengers to compare CO2 emissions from flights, aiming to promote less polluting options.
en_1140953540
The EU Introduces a CO2 Label for Air Travel
Starting July 2025, a European label will allow passengers to compare CO2 emissions from flights, aiming to promote less polluting options.
en_1140953540
National Grid: a record £35 billion investment to modernize the UK’s electricity grid
The UK electricity grid operator, National Grid, announces an ambitious £35 billion plan to double electricity transmission capacity by 2031, in alignment with the government's environmental goals.
en_1140945540
National Grid: a record £35 billion investment to modernize the UK’s electricity grid
The UK electricity grid operator, National Grid, announces an ambitious £35 billion plan to double electricity transmission capacity by 2031, in alignment with the government's environmental goals.
en_1140945540

Nigeria approves Shell’s $2.4 billion sale of 30% onshore assets

Nigeria approves Shell's $2.4 billion sale of 30% onshore assets
California and PG&E: A $15 Billion Loan to Strengthen Energy Policy
The Department of Energy grants a conditional $15 billion loan to PG&E to modernize California's infrastructure. This project is part of a larger effort to transform regional energy policy.
en_1140936540
California and PG&E: A $15 Billion Loan to Strengthen Energy Policy
The Department of Energy grants a conditional $15 billion loan to PG&E to modernize California's infrastructure. This project is part of a larger effort to transform regional energy policy.
en_1140936540
Sweden Criticizes Germany on Energy Policy as Electricity Prices Rise
Germany’s energy policy, marked by the nuclear phase-out, has driven electricity prices up in Sweden, affecting households and businesses. Stockholm accuses Berlin of neglecting regional impacts and suspends a key interconnection project.
en_1140975540
Sweden Criticizes Germany on Energy Policy as Electricity Prices Rise
Germany’s energy policy, marked by the nuclear phase-out, has driven electricity prices up in Sweden, affecting households and businesses. Stockholm accuses Berlin of neglecting regional impacts and suspends a key interconnection project.
en_1140975540
France: €200 billion needed to modernize electrical grids, says the Court of Audit
The Court of Audit reveals €200 billion in investment needs to modernize French electrical grids by 2040, urging a balance between shareholder and consumer financial efforts.
en_1140972540
France: €200 billion needed to modernize electrical grids, says the Court of Audit
The Court of Audit reveals €200 billion in investment needs to modernize French electrical grids by 2040, urging a balance between shareholder and consumer financial efforts.
en_1140972540

Trump’s Proposed 25% Tariffs Could Disrupt North American Trade

Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico risks disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for American businesses and consumers.
Energy Permits: Congress Delays Reforms Until the Next Session
Reforms aimed at accelerating energy permits have been excluded from the U.S. budget bill, postponing discussions to a Republican-led Congress that plans more ambitious changes.
en_1140919540
Energy Permits: Congress Delays Reforms Until the Next Session
Reforms aimed at accelerating energy permits have been excluded from the U.S. budget bill, postponing discussions to a Republican-led Congress that plans more ambitious changes.
en_1140919540
The U.S. Supreme Court examines California’s right to impose electric vehicle quotas
The U.S. Supreme Court reviews the fuel industry’s challenge against California’s exclusive right to impose electric vehicle sales targets, a key issue for national emission standards.
en_1140914540
The U.S. Supreme Court examines California’s right to impose electric vehicle quotas
The U.S. Supreme Court reviews the fuel industry’s challenge against California’s exclusive right to impose electric vehicle sales targets, a key issue for national emission standards.
en_1140914540
Japan: The share of renewable energy could double by 2040-2041
Japan plans to reduce its reliance on thermal energy to 30%-40% by fiscal year 2040-2041 while significantly increasing renewable energy, according to a draft Strategic Energy Plan.
en_1140918540
Japan: The share of renewable energy could double by 2040-2041
Japan plans to reduce its reliance on thermal energy to 30%-40% by fiscal year 2040-2041 while significantly increasing renewable energy, according to a draft Strategic Energy Plan.
en_1140918540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS