Connection

popular articles

Octopus Electroverse becomes Europe’s largest EV charging network
EDF announces definitive shutdown of Cordemais coal-fired power plant by 2027
CEO of TotalEnergies: A Reasoned Energy Transition in the Face of Climate Challenges
East Timor and Australia to reach agreement on Greater Sunrise gas
Zambia: New coal-fired power plant to tackle historic drought

Nuclear bill: IRSN soon to be absorbed by ASN?

The deputies of the Economic Affairs Commission have approved the government's controversial plan to merge the Institute for Nuclear Safety (IRSN) into the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).

Please share:

The nuclear acceleration bill was examined in the Economic Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on Monday evening. The text provides for the merger of the Institute in charge of nuclear safety (IRSN) with the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), which has given rise to contrasting reactions.

The government wants to unite the two entities under a single public banner in order to strengthen nuclear safety policy and adopt the most protective status for both organizations. The Minister of Energy Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, stressed that “safeguards” will be put in place to take into account the challenges.

Amendments validated in committee

Several amendments were validated by the deputies of the Economic Affairs Committee. The Macronist rapporteur, Maud Bregeon, proposed a sub-amendment that states that the ASN must separate the expertise process from the opinions and decisions deliberated by its college, a recommendation of the Parliamentary Office for Scientific Choices (Opecst). However, the left-wing opposition criticized the reform as “hasty and brutal”, while the environmentalist Julie Laernoes denounced “a destruction in four weeks of the internationally recognized dual safety system”.

IRSN employees on strike

IRSN employees are also unhappy. The latter provide independent scientific advice on the condition of nuclear power plants. They will be on strike for the third time in a month on March 13 to protest against the disappearance of their institute. Nearly 600 of the IRSN’s 1,700 employees participated in the two previous strikes organized since the government’s surprise announcement to dismantle their institute.

Former Opecst presidents warn against the project

Three former presidents of the Parliamentary Office for Scientific Choices (Opecst), including the mathematician Cédric Villani, have warned against the proposed merger between IRSN and ASN. They described this project as a “dangerous technocratic drift” that risks “paralyzing safety”.

The bill will be voted on in the House of Representatives next Monday.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Duke Energy seeks to extend operating licence for Robinson nuclear plant to 2050
Waaree doubles its solar capacity in the United States with a new 1.6 GW unit in Texas
APTIM and BWX Technologies awarded $1.4bn contract to manage US Strategic Petroleum Reserve
France reviews its hydrogen strategy to align the regulatory framework with market needs
US crude oil inventories reach highest level since July 2024

Recently published in

Paris finalises its energy roadmap for 2025–2035 with imminent decree

The French government plans to adopt within two weeks a decree outlining the decade’s energy objectives, restarting nuclear power and preparing for a parliamentary debate on energy sovereignty.
The rise of renewable energy increases negative price episodes in Europe
The expansion of solar and wind capacity is multiplying hours of negative prices on European electricity markets, weakening the sector's economic balance while reshaping export and storage dynamics.
en_1140290953540-5
The rise of renewable energy increases negative price episodes in Europe
The expansion of solar and wind capacity is multiplying hours of negative prices on European electricity markets, weakening the sector's economic balance while reshaping export and storage dynamics.
en_1140290953540-5
France launches strategic debate on energy security
The National Assembly will discuss national energy security on 28 April at the government’s request, in connection with the upcoming Multiannual Energy Programming covering the 2025-2035 period.
en_1140290956540-4
France launches strategic debate on energy security
The National Assembly will discuss national energy security on 28 April at the government’s request, in connection with the upcoming Multiannual Energy Programming covering the 2025-2035 period.
en_1140290956540-4
Electrification stalls in Europe despite record electricity surplus in France
Despite a predominantly decarbonised electricity production, demand in Europe remains subdued, hindered by uncompetitive prices and limited industrial usage.
en_1140290951540-5
Electrification stalls in Europe despite record electricity surplus in France
Despite a predominantly decarbonised electricity production, demand in Europe remains subdued, hindered by uncompetitive prices and limited industrial usage.
en_1140290951540-5

United States falls below 50% fossil electricity in March, according to Ember

Data from think tank Ember reveals that fossil fuels accounted for just 49.2% of US electricity generation in March 2025, marking an unprecedented threshold.
Ember: global low-carbon electricity generation exceeds 40% in 2024
The global electricity mix shifted in 2024 with 40.9% of production from low-carbon sources, according to Ember, driven by historic solar power growth.
en_1140290964540
Ember: global low-carbon electricity generation exceeds 40% in 2024
The global electricity mix shifted in 2024 with 40.9% of production from low-carbon sources, according to Ember, driven by historic solar power growth.
en_1140290964540
Tajikistan criminalises electricity fraud amid energy crisis
Facing recurring shortages, Tajikistan tightens energy laws by introducing prison sentences of up to ten years for electricity fraud to protect its ageing hydropower network.
en_1140290950540-4
Tajikistan criminalises electricity fraud amid energy crisis
Facing recurring shortages, Tajikistan tightens energy laws by introducing prison sentences of up to ten years for electricity fraud to protect its ageing hydropower network.
en_1140290950540-4
France sets its energy strategy to 2035 balancing nuclear and renewables
The French government finalises its new energy roadmap through 2035, balancing nuclear revival and selective expansion of renewables amid political tensions.
en_1140290945540-4
France sets its energy strategy to 2035 balancing nuclear and renewables
The French government finalises its new energy roadmap through 2035, balancing nuclear revival and selective expansion of renewables amid political tensions.
en_1140290945540-4

Fuel shortage disrupts electoral logistics in Burundi

Burundi’s main opposition coalition warns of direct consequences from the energy crisis on the organisation of the June legislative elections.
Cuba bets on 55 solar parks with Chinese backing to address energy crisis
In Cienfuegos, Cuba is deploying an ambitious photovoltaic programme supported by China to reduce its dependence on oil and stabilise its failing power grid.
en_1140290952540-3
Cuba bets on 55 solar parks with Chinese backing to address energy crisis
In Cienfuegos, Cuba is deploying an ambitious photovoltaic programme supported by China to reduce its dependence on oil and stabilise its failing power grid.
en_1140290952540-3
Panama launches tender for 80 km interoceanic gas pipeline
The Panama Canal Authority has approved a strategic gas pipeline project amid political tensions and diverging interests over regional energy control.
en_1140290955540-3
Panama launches tender for 80 km interoceanic gas pipeline
The Panama Canal Authority has approved a strategic gas pipeline project amid political tensions and diverging interests over regional energy control.
en_1140290955540-3
Germany: EIB grants €400 mn to SachsenEnergie to strengthen the grid
The European Investment Bank is funding a €732 mn expansion plan to modernise and stabilise the electricity network in the Ostsachsen region by 2027.
en_1140291008540
Germany: EIB grants €400 mn to SachsenEnergie to strengthen the grid
The European Investment Bank is funding a €732 mn expansion plan to modernise and stabilise the electricity network in the Ostsachsen region by 2027.
en_1140291008540

Brussels unlocks €600mn to accelerate cross-border energy projects

The European Commission is launching a large-scale call for projects to finance priority energy infrastructure between Member States and neighbouring countries, with a maximum budget of €600mn from the CEF Energy programme.
France: Fos-sur-Mer launches unprecedented debate on €20bn industrial projects
The National Commission for Public Debate opens a three-month consultation in Fos-sur-Mer on the industrial future of this strategic zone, ahead of state decisions on 40 projects with major economic and energy implications.
en_1140290949540-2
France: Fos-sur-Mer launches unprecedented debate on €20bn industrial projects
The National Commission for Public Debate opens a three-month consultation in Fos-sur-Mer on the industrial future of this strategic zone, ahead of state decisions on 40 projects with major economic and energy implications.
en_1140290949540-2
Bayrou propose un débat parlementaire sur la feuille de route énergétique avant l’été
François Bayrou souhaite engager un débat sans vote au Parlement sur la programmation énergétique 2025-2035, alors que le projet alimente les tensions politiques et que le Rassemblement national menace de déposer une motion de censure.
en_1140290946540-2
Bayrou propose un débat parlementaire sur la feuille de route énergétique avant l’été
François Bayrou souhaite engager un débat sans vote au Parlement sur la programmation énergétique 2025-2035, alors que le projet alimente les tensions politiques et que le Rassemblement national menace de déposer une motion de censure.
en_1140290946540-2
The European Union must invest €1.871 trillion to modernise its power grids by 2050
The European Court of Auditors warns of the urgency of massive investments in the Union’s ageing power grids, hampered by administrative delays and inadequate planning.
en_1140290949540
The European Union must invest €1.871 trillion to modernise its power grids by 2050
The European Court of Auditors warns of the urgency of massive investments in the Union’s ageing power grids, hampered by administrative delays and inadequate planning.
en_1140290949540

MPs and energy experts call for suspension of France’s PPE3 energy roadmap

Several lawmakers and former energy executives are demanding a moratorium on PPE3, criticising a plan they view as disconnected from current economic and geopolitical realities.
Bernard Fontana to be heard by Parliament ahead of EDF leadership appointment
The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
en_1140290945540-23
Bernard Fontana to be heard by Parliament ahead of EDF leadership appointment
The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
en_1140290945540-23
Samoa declares state of emergency after collapse of main power network
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
en_1140290946540-22
Samoa declares state of emergency after collapse of main power network
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
en_1140290946540-22
France: Marc Ferracci ready to submit energy roadmap to parliamentary vote
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
en_1140290949540-21
France: Marc Ferracci ready to submit energy roadmap to parliamentary vote
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
en_1140290949540-21

Emission decline slows in France with a limited 1.8% drop in 2024

France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
EDF: French government removes Luc Rémont over disagreements on industrial contracts and nuclear strategy
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
en_1140290950540-20
EDF: French government removes Luc Rémont over disagreements on industrial contracts and nuclear strategy
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
en_1140290950540-20
Just Stop Oil announces end of direct actions after years of mobilisation
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
en_1140290955540-20
Just Stop Oil announces end of direct actions after years of mobilisation
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
en_1140290955540-20
Grid bottlenecks slow energy security efforts in the Netherlands
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
en_1140290944540-20
Grid bottlenecks slow energy security efforts in the Netherlands
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
en_1140290944540-20

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS