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Nuclear

New iodine tablets for communes near French nuclear power sites

The tablets are distributed for use in the event of an emergency, but some say the scheme does not go far enough

Vial of radium found in attic of Dordogne house

It is believed to be over 100 years old. Family found it while preparing to move home

How France plans to avoid electricity price spikes

A new deal has been agreed with EDF over nuclear energy rates

news

Nuclear reactor approved to continue beyond 40 years, first in France

The 40-year-old reactor can reportedly now operate until its next assessment in ten years' time

France cuts red tape for nuclear power despite cracks in reactors

The latest serious fault – a crack measuring 155mm long – was discovered at a plant in Normandy

Crack discovered at another French nuclear plant

The latest one was found at Cattenom in eastern France. It comes just two days after a fissure was found at one of the country’s largest nuclear plants in Normandy

‘A particularly deep crack’: Alarm raised over French nuclear plant

The discovery at the plant in Normandy has sparked calls for state-owned energy firm EDF to revise its safety strategy.

MAP: Where are the six new nuclear reactors planned for in France?

The Minister for Energy wants to introduce a new bill to accelerate the building process

Pension reform, nuclear vote, film, fashion: The week ahead in France

This week (January 23-29) is set to include important hearings in parliament and the senate as well as the Chinese New Year parade in Paris

Power cut risk remains in France but the ‘worst has been avoided’

Action by EDF to reopen power stations and efforts by the French to use less energy appear to be paying off, an energy expert says

‘Macron’s nuclear power push is high-risk and high-reward for France’

Columnist Richard Ogier takes a look at the president’s ‘herculean’ commitment to nuclear energy

Trains, schools: Is the multi-sector French strike continuing today?

Around 107,000 people took part in protest action yesterday, according to the government, affecting train travel, schools, some care services and other sectors

Regulated French gas and electric bills capped at 15% rise in 2023

Prime minister also announces aid of up to €200 for 12 million homes. ‘No European country has done so much,’ she adds

Former lake-side nuclear site building for sale in Brittany for €1

The old workers’ canteen looks out onto the power plant which is being deconstructed but also has a view of the Monts d’Arrée mountains

France inches towards nuclear waste solution as more reactors planned

President Macron’s ‘French Nuclear Renaissance’ aims to provide energy independence and greener electricity for France - but the nuclear waste keeps piling up

France to build six nuclear reactors and 50 offshore wind farms

President Macron unveiled the multi-billion euro plans yesterday as part of a drive to ‘take back control of France’s energy destiny’ and improve renewable energy production

2022 French Presidential candidates divided over nuclear energy

Candidates on the left and right have spoken out about the future of energy in France, and whether nuclear energy should still be used

France looks to small-scale nuclear plants for its future

‘Small modular reactors’ (SMR) would be a major shift in France’s nuclear power policy - until now, state-owned energy giant EDF has concentrated on huge plants

'I am an ecologist and believe in the power of nuclear'

Climate expert Jean-Marc Jancovici explains why he thinks France should keep nuclear power at the top of its energy agenda

Plans approved to extend life of France's oldest nuclear power station

Greenpeace France, which led a campaign against the plan, says the needs of EDF are being put before concerns for the safety of French people

President Macron backs nuclear power

President Macron visited the Le Creusot industrial facility owned by nuclear power station maker Framatome in December to make a speech backing nuclear power

Macron: Nuclear energy is the future for eco-friendly France

The President praised the use of nuclear energy in France, as the government announced new environmental laws taken from the Citizens' Convention for climate

France’s oldest nuclear power plant is now closed

The Fessenheim nuclear plant (Grand Est) closed yesterday (June 29), causing controversy among local residents and climate change protesters both for and against nuclear power.

France to double number of wind turbines

A controversial new law commits to doubling the number of wind turbines in France by 2028.

France’s oldest nuclear power station starts shutdown

A reactor at the oldest working nuclear power station in France is to stop operating this Saturday, as the first step in a “new energy strategy”, the government has said.

French nuclear stations ‘prepared’ for quake risk

Nuclear power stations and other potentially high-risk sites are prepared for earthquakes, and the risk of damage is low, a nuclear expert has said, in the wake of this week’s earthquakes in France.

Thousands evacuated and homes damaged in French quake

More than 8,500 people have been evacuated and hundreds of buildings dangerously weakened in southeast France, as the extent of the damage from yesterday’s 5.4 magnitude earthquake emerges.

Strong quake damages buildings in south of France

Building worker critically injured in fall from scaffolding

France's EDF sets date for nuclear plant shutdown

Country's oldest nuclear power plant at Fessenheim will close by June 30, 2020

French nuclear disaster pill scheme extended

Around 2.2 million people who live within 20km of one of France’s 19 nuclear power stations are starting to receive coupons for iodine tablets to take in the event of a nuclear incident.

France hits back at President Trump on Iran tensions

France has hit back at United States President Donald Trump after he criticised the country for commenting on growing tensions in the Persian Gulf.

France hits back at radioactive drinking water rumours

Authorities have reassured residents that drinking tap water poses “no risk to public health”, after rumours that it was “contaminated” with radioactive substance tritium.

Nuclear waste map of France published by Greenpeace

A new interactive map showing the locations of nuclear waste across France has been published by environmental group Greenpeace, as part of its forthcoming campaign on the issue.

Nuclear defence is all hot air

If Bernard Durand wants nuclear power rather than wind energy (comment, April see here) can we assume he is willing to have the radioactive waste created buried in his garden?

Turbines won’t stop nuclear so why disfigure France?

Petroleum geochemist and member of science action group Collectif STA Bernard Durand spoke to Selma Daddi of his fears over the spread of wind farms

French public opinion growing against nuclear power

The French public is becoming less and less in favour of nuclear power, as awareness and concern for the environment grows, according to a new study.

Women pioneers in French submarines

Four female naval officers have become the first to complete a mission on a French nuclear battle submarine after being barred from such work since the service was founded.

France's oldest nuclear plant could last until 2019

Delays in construction of new-generation reactor at Flamanville mean France's oldest nuclear power station is granted a few months' reprieve

Nuclear plan is correct

France plans to end oil and gas production by 2040

Government unveils draft law intended to end oil and gas production in all French territories

Nuclear, shale gas and diesel – what leading candidates say

Nuclear plant closure ‘law’ denounced as PR stunt

Government reacts to fears over Fessenheim, but it will not close until replacement starts work

Anti-nuclear protesters demand Fessenheim be shut

Demo at Alsace power station comes on anniversary of Fukushima and days after operator fined for coolant leak