Radioactive waste: the Cigeo project enters a crucial new phase

Management of the most radioactive waste from France's nuclear power plants is advancing apace. The Cigeo project, designed to bury this highly hazardous waste 500 meters underground in the Meuse region of France, has reached a crucial new stage in its development.
Stockage déchets nucléaires français avance

Partagez:

The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) have judged the data provided by the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (Andra) to be sufficient to continue investigating the case. This initial positive assessment confirms the soundness of the work Andra has been carrying out for 30 years on this controversial but essential project.
In particular, the experts praised the quality of the geotechnical and hydrogeological analyses carried out on the Bure site in the Meuse region, which was selected as the site for the underground storage facilities following in-depth studies. This instruction follows a decision by the French Constitutional Council in 2023.

Significant progress, but challenges remain

While ASN considers the geotechnical and hydrogeological analyses to be generally satisfactory, the nuclear watchdog stresses the need to take greater account of the potential impact of climate change on above-ground facilities. What’s more, the test program planned for the industrial pilot phase, which is crucial for validating the final technical aspects, has yet to be fully detailed.
IRSN also points to the need for further studies to ensure that Cigeo can effectively accommodate waste from future new-generation nuclear reactors planned by the French government, such as the EPR2. For the time being, only the capacity to store waste from the current fleet and the 6 planned EPR2s has been confirmed.

Timetable takes shape despite challenges

Towards the beginning of 2025, the ASN and IRSN, which will then be merged into a single entity, will give their opinion on Cigeo’s operational safety, a crucial point for the project’s continuation. This new assessment will mark a decisive step forward, enabling Andra to envisage the start of construction work in 2027.
Commissioning of the storage facility for the least radioactive waste (long-lived intermediate-level waste) is scheduled for 2035-2040. On the other hand, the disposal of high-level waste, which is more complex to implement, would not take place until 2080-2090 according to the current schedule.
Despite the major technical challenges still to be met and the protests of some members of civil society, Andra is confident in the measures already taken to ensure maximum safety for this unprecedented project, which is essential for the long-term management of the most dangerous nuclear waste produced in France.

  • Populaires ​
Chevron and Energy Transfer Expand Their LNG Agreement at Lake Charles
France: EDF and Marcegaglia conclude a ten-year electricity agreement in Fos-sur-Mer
BrightNight launches 300 MW solar plant in Arizona with Cordelio Power
Woodside completes sale of 40% stake in Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak
Trianel deploys 900 MW battery to bolster German grid flexibility
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.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
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 raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
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.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS