IRSN-ASN merger: Urgent need for a neutral prefigurator

IRSN's trade unions are calling for the urgent appointment of a neutral prefigurator to guide the merger with ASN, anticipating the challenges of 2025.

Share:

Demande préfigurateur ASN-IRSN

The merger between the Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN) and the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire (ASN ) is scheduled for 2025. It aims to simplify the French nuclear safety system, which is currently bipartite. The unions, however, are concerned about the potential disorganization andimpact on independence of future decisions.

The anticipated impact of the merger

Although the reform is designed to streamline procedures, there are concerns about its implementation. Critics fear that the merger will lead to excessive centralization, which could undermine the effectiveness and independence of nuclear surveillance in France.

Union demand for an impartial leader

At a recent meeting with Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate for Industry, the intersyndicale insisted on the need to appoint a prefigurator. The latter should be external to the general management of IRSN and ASN, to guarantee essential neutrality in future arbitrations.

Challenges and imperatives of the nomination process

The complexity of discussions between IRSN and ASN on various technical subjects calls for rapid neutral mediation. The unions emphasize the urgency of this appointment, without which the tight schedule for setting up the new Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) could be compromised.

Government reactions and next steps

The government, aware of the tensions, supports the need for swift and appropriate action. Minister Lescure’s assurances of an imminent appointment are seen as a positive sign by the intersyndicale, but vigilance is still required regarding the selection of the candidate.

The IRSN-ASN merger remains a hot topic, with a critical need for impartial leadership to navigate the challenges of transition. The selection of an appropriate prefigurator will be crucial to the success of this major transformation in the French nuclear safety sector.

  • Populaires ​
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
Enbridge Gas Ohio challenges tariff ruling cutting its revenues by $30mn
Natural hydrogen: France on the verge of redefining its national and European energy strategy
Iberdrola increases supplementary dividend by 16.5% to €0.409 per share
Iberdrola launches metocean studies for Australian offshore wind farm
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.
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.
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.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS