Nuclear: the French government intends to “complete” the ASN-IRSN merger

Despite opposition from many in the nuclear sector, the French government wants to continue its nuclear safety reform, which aims to merge the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) with the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).

Partagez:

The French government wishes to pursue its reform aiming at merging the two organizations in charge of nuclear safety despite theopposition of the staff, the parliamentarians and the specialists. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Energy Transition, reaffirmed her intention to carry out this reform during a session in the Senate last Wednesday.

A bill to accelerate nuclear power was voted on Tuesday in the National Assembly, asking the government to provide an explanatory report on how to implement this reform. The Minister of Energy Transition indicated that she would ask the senators to specify the modalities by which the Senate wants to be associated with this reform, and that she would move forward with them to complete it.

The merger of the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) into the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) was approved by a “nuclear policy council” convened by Emmanuel Macron on February 3. The new entity would thus become “the second largest safety authority in the world in terms of human and financial resources, with reinforced scientific credibility”, according to Agnès Pannier-Runacher.

However, this reform project is opposed by many players in the nuclear sector who see it as a loss of independence, competence and the ability of experts to express themselves, especially at a time when France is preparing to launch a new reactor program.

The National Assembly rejected the first reading of this reform proposed by the government in the bill on the acceleration of nuclear power, voting to preserve the current “dual organization”. The bill was therefore voted on Tuesday without the reform.

Agnès Pannier-Runacher was answering a question from PS Senator Angèle Préville during the Senate session last Wednesday. The senators had already expressed their anger at seeing this amendment on the IRSN when they had already voted on this bill in January.

Despite this, the Minister of Energy Transition remains determined to carry out this reform, which should strengthen the scientific credibility and quality of services rendered in nuclear safety. It remains to be seen whether it will be able to convince parliamentarians.

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.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.