Nuclear fusion reform: Key vote in Parliament imminent

The French Parliament is about to vote on a major reform that will see the merger of ASN and IRSN. This decision raises questions of transparency and independence.

Share:

ASN IRSN Vote 9 avril

The French Parliament is about to approve or reject the merger between the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the French Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN). A compromise has been reached between the National Assembly and the Senate, with a vote expected to ratify the reform. The government is pushing ahead with this merger, despite criticism that it could disorganize the system. The Senate seems inclined to approve the bill, but the vote in the National Assembly is more uncertain. On March 19, the Assembly narrowly adopted the text by 260 votes to 259.

The bill

The bill envisages the creation of a Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) by 2025, merging the Autorité de sûreté nucléaire (ASN) and the Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire (IRSN). This reform is presented as a response to the need to “streamline” processes in the French nuclear sector, marked by often critical appraisal and authorization times.

Viewpoints and oppositions

Opposition to the reform is strong, particularly from the trade unions of the two entities concerned and from left-wing political groups. They are concerned about a possible loss of independence and transparency. “We’re still hoping that MPs will vote responsibly, free from political pressure,” says Névéna Latil-Querrec, from the IRSN trade union.

Uncertainties and hopes

The vote in the French National Assembly remains uncertain, after an initial marginal adoption on March 19 by 260 votes to 259. The Senate, on the other hand, seems ready to approve the reform. The unions and some MPs are still hoping to influence the outcome, testifying to an ongoing struggle to maintain the integrity of the decision-making process.

Guarantees and reviews

The proposed new structure promises to improve independence, with specific procedures for separating the expertise and decision-making functions for each case. However, critics persist, such as Socialist MP Anna Pic, who points to the risk of conflicts of interest if the same agents can change roles from one week to the next. “We’re going to confuse the decision with the expertise,” she complains.

As Parliament prepares to vote, the merger of the two nuclear safety authorities remains a subject of heated debate, symbolizing the tensions between administrative efficiency and the preservation of standards of independence and transparency.

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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.