Nuclear Power Plant In France Research Articles

The role of Niger’s uranium supply to France’s electricity export potential in Europe

This article examines the role of stability of Niger uranium supply to France for the volume of electricity export to Europe, as well as the possible role of Russia in resolving the uranium deficit for nuclear power plants in France. France is considered one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, one of the main suppliers of uranium to France has been its former colony, represented by Niger. Due to the events of 27 July 2023 in the Niger, there is a high risk of a complete cut in the supply of Niger uranium to France, which threatens the energy security not only of France, but of all its neighbors: Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and others. Also in this work, the statistical data on uranium shipments from other countries to France are analyzed, the possible risks associated with the changing political situation in the African region are predicted and various measures are presented, which could be taken to mitigate the impact of the disruption of uranium supplies from the Niger to France’s nuclear sector.

Exploring coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering of reactor neutrinos with the NUCLEUS experiment

The NUCLEUS experiment aims to perform a high-precision measurement of Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CEvNS) at the EdF Chooz B nuclear power plant in France. CEvNS is a unique process to study neutrino properties and to search for physics beyond the Standard Model. The study of CEvNS is also important for light Dark-Matter searches. It could be a possible irreducible background for high-sensitivity Dark-Matter experiments. NUCLEUS is an experiment under construction based on ultra-low threshold (∼20 eV20eV_{nr}) cryogenic calorimeters, operated at tens-of-mK temperatures.

The logics and rhetoric of the announced shutdown of the Fessenheim nuclear power plant (France)

AbstractThe closing of the aging nuclear power plant of Fessenheim was eventually concretized in June 2020 after many years of controversy, reflecting the sensibility of closing nuclear power plants in France, the world's second largest producer of nuclear power. This paper provides insight into how this highly policy vexed issue was discussed on the local level during 2017, a period when the decision regarding the shutdown was still at stake. Here, I examine the discursive strategies mobilized by key actors lobbying for the shutdown or maintenance of the nuclear power plant to enhance their argumentations. Using political discourse analyses combined with the logics approach, the article shows that the argumentation of proponents and advocates of a shutdown is structured around the same concept of sustainability. However, economic growth, social prosperity, and environmental “cautiousness” are not articulated with the same chain of equivalence and do not activate the same fantasmatic logics.

State or market: Investments in new nuclear power plants in France and their domestic and cross-border effects

France wants to become carbon-neutral by 2050. Renewable energies and nuclear power are expected to make the main contribution to this goal. However, the average age of nuclear power plants is approaching 37 years of operation in 2022, which is likely to lead to increased outages and expensive maintenance. In addition, newer nuclear power plants are flexible to operate and thus compatible with high volatile feed-in from renewables. Nevertheless, it is controversially discussed whether nuclear power plants can still be operated competitively and whether new investments will be made in this technology. Using an agent-based simulation model of the European electricity market, the market impacts of possible nuclear investments are investigated based on two scenarios: a scenario with state-based investments and a scenario with market-based investments. The results of this investigation show that under our assumptions, even with state-based investments, carbon neutrality would not be achieved with the estimated nuclear power plant capacity. Under purely market-based assumptions, large amounts of gas-fired power plants would be installed, which would lead to an increase in France’s carbon emissions. State-based investments in nuclear power plants, however, would have a dampening effect on neighboring spot market prices of up to 4.5% on average.

Exploring CEνNS of reactor neutrinos with the NUCLEUS experiment

Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) offers a unique way to study neutrino properties and to search for new physics beyond the Standard Model. The NUCLEUS experiment aims to measure CEνNS of reactor anti-neutrinos down to unprecedented low nuclear recoil energies. The novel gram-scale cryogenic detectors feature an ultra-low energy threshold of ≤20eVnr and a rise time of a few 100 μs which allows the operation above ground. The fiducialization of the detectors provides an effective discrimination of ambient γ- and surface backgrounds. Furthermore, the use of multiple targets promises a high physics potential. The NUCLEUS experiment will be located at a new experimental site at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France, providing a high anti-neutrino flux of . The commissioning of the experimental setup with a comprehensive background measurement is planned for 2022.

Comparison and Evaluation of Domestic and Foreign Radiation Environmental Standards for Nuclear Power Plants

With the development of the nuclear energy industry and the increasing demand for environmental protection, the impact of nuclear power plant radiation on the environment has gradually entered the public view. This article combs the nuclear power plant radiation environmental management systems of several countries, takes the domestic and foreign management of radioactive effluent discharge from nuclear power plants as a starting point, analyses and compares the laws and standards related to radioactive effluents from nuclear power plants in France, the United States, China, and South Korea. In this paper, the management improvement of radioactive effluent discharge system of Chinese nuclear power plants has been discussed.

Discussion on Environmental Qualification Management System of Electrical Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants

In order to ensure the safety of the reactor system, the nuclear power plant (NPP) is designed in accordance with the principle of defense in depth. The single failure criterion, whose direct goal is to strengthen the safety-related system function through redundant settings, is an important cornerstone of the principle of defense in depth. It is the primary role of environmental qualification(EQ) to ensure that Class 1E equipment can perform its safety function(s) with no failure mechanism that could lead to common cause failures under postulated service conditions.This paper firstly describes the equipment qualification management system of NPPs in France as well as America. Secondly, equipment qualification regulatory requirements and management practices of NPPs in China were shared. Finally, combined with the regulatory requirements of National Nuclear Safety Administration of China and good experience from NPPs at home and abroad, suggestions are given for electrical equipment EQ management system in other NPPs in China.

Exploring hbox {CE}nu hbox {NS} with NUCLEUS at the Chooz nuclear power plant

Coherent elastic neutrino–nucleus scattering (hbox {CE}nu hbox {NS}) offers a unique way to study neutrino properties and to search for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Nuclear reactors are promising sources to explore this process at low energies since they deliver large fluxes of anti-neutrinos with typical energies of a few MeV. In this paper, a new-generation experiment to study hbox {CE}nu hbox {NS} is described. The NUCLEUS experiment will use cryogenic detectors which feature an unprecedentedly low-energy threshold and a time response fast enough to be operated under above-ground conditions. Both sensitivity to low-energy nuclear recoils and a high event rate tolerance are stringent requirements to measuring hbox {CE}nu hbox {NS} of reactor anti-neutrinos. A new experimental site, the Very-Near-Site (VNS), at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France is described. The VNS is located between the two 4.25 hbox {GW}_{mathrm {th}} reactor cores and matches the requirements of NUCLEUS. First results of on-site measurements of neutron and muon backgrounds, the expected dominant background contributions, are given. In this paper a preliminary experimental set-up with dedicated active and passive background reduction techniques and first background estimations are presented. Furthermore, the feasibility to operate the detectors in coincidence with an active muon veto at shallow overburden is studied. The paper concludes with a sensitivity study pointing out the physics potential of NUCLEUS at the Chooz nuclear power plant.

Development of a target-site-based regional frequency model using historical information

Nuclear power plants in France are designed to withstand natural hazards. Nevertheless, some exceptional storm surges, considered as outliers, are not properly addressed by classical statistical models. Local frequency estimations can be obtained with acceptable uncertainties if the data set containing the extreme storm surge levels is sufficiently complete and not characterized by the presence of an outlier. Otherwise, additional information such as regional and historical storm surges may be used to mitigate the lack of data and the influence of the outlier by increasing its representativeness in the sample. The objective of the present work is to develop a regional frequency model (RFM) using historical storm surges. Here we propose a RFM using historical information (HI). The empirical spatial extremogram is used herein to form a homogenous region of interest centered on a target site. A related issue regards the reconstitution, at the target site and from its neighbors, of missed storm surges with a multiple linear regression (MLR). MLR analysis can be considered conclusive if available observations at neighboring sites are informative enough and the reconstitution results meet some criteria during the cross-validation process. A total of 35 harbors located on the French (Atlantic and English Channel) and British coasts are used as a whole region with the La Rochelle site as a target site. The Peaks-Over-Threshold frequency model is used. The results are compared to those of an existing model based on the index flood method. The use of HI in the developed RFM increases the representativeness of the outlier in the sample. Fitting results at the right tail of the distribution appear more adequate and the 100-year return level is about 30 cm higher. The 100-year return level in the initial fitting has a return period of about 30 years in the updated fitting.

Cancer incidence in adults living in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in France, based on data from the French Network of Cancer Registries.

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) release toxic emissions into the environment that may affect neighboring populations. This ecologic study was designed to investigate the possibility of an excess incidence of cancer in the vicinity of French NPPs by examining the incidence by municipality of 12 types of cancer in the population aged 15 years and older during the 1995-2011 period. Population exposure to pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from towns of residence to the NPP. Using regression models, we assessed the risk of cancer in a 20-km zone around NPPs and observed an excess incidence of bladder cancer (Relative Risk (RR), 95% Credibility Interval (95% CI)) in men and women (RRmen = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.17 and RRwomen = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.39). Women living within the 20-km proximity areas had a significantly reduced risk of thyroid cancer (RRwomen = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.96). No excess risk of hematologic malignancies in either sex was seen. The higher than expected incidence of bladder cancer may be due to an excess incidence localized around the Flamanville NPP and the nearby La Hague nuclear waste treatment center, which is a source of chemical contaminants, many (including arsenic) of them known risk factors for bladder cancer. Differences in medical practices could explain the reduced risk of thyroid cancer. In this first study of adults living near NPPs in France, cancer incidence is significantly higher than in the references populations for one of the cancer types studied: bladder cancer.

Analyzing the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to nuclear facilities

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are among the major growing technologies that have many beneficial applications, yet they can also pose a significant threat. Recently, several incidents occurred with UAVs violating privacy of the public and security of sensitive facilities, including several nuclear power plants in France. The threat of UAVs to the security of nuclear facilities is of great importance and is the focus of this work. This paper presents an overview of UAV technology and classification, as well as its applications and potential threats. We show several examples of recent security incidents involving UAVs in France, USA, and United Arab Emirates. Further, the potential threats to nuclear facilities and measures to prevent them are evaluated. The importance of measures for detection, delay, and response (neutralization) of UAVs at nuclear facilities are discussed. An overview of existing technologies along with their strength and weaknesses are shown. Finally, the results of a gap analysis in existing approaches and technologies is presented in the form of potential technological and procedural areas for research and development. Based on this analysis, directions for future work in the field can be devised and prioritized.

Current status of the Double Chooz experiment

The Double Chooz reactor antineutrino experiment aims for a precision measurement of the neutrino mixing angle θ13. Located at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France, it observes an energy dependent deficit in the electron antineutrino spectrum, currently with one detector filled with gadolinium-loaded liquid scintillator at a baseline of 1.05 km. The Double Chooz analysis utilizes different approaches to extract θ13: A combined rate and spectral shape fit as well as a background-model-independent analysis based on reactor power variations are performed, giving consistent results. Among the recent reactor-based oscillation experiments with comparable baseline it was the only one to observe reactor shutdown phases, during which all reactors are turned off. These enabled to measure the backgrounds solely, allowing to crosscheck the background models used in the oscillation analysis. At present an improved analysis was put forward with twice as much data statistics collected compared to the last publication. Revised selection criteria and background studies enhance the signal to background ratio while a decrease in the corresponding uncertainties is achieved. Along with an improved energy calibration the overall systematic uncertainty on θ13 is reduced, preparing for a two detector analysis. The new analysis obtains from 467.90 live days with 66.5 GW-ton-years of exposure (reactor power × detector mass × live time) a value of sin2⁡2θ13=0.090−0.029+0.032(stat + syst).

Measurement of the neutrino mixing angle θ13 with the Double Chooz detector

The θ13 parameter of the PMNS mixing matrix remained unknown until first hints and estimates by both Double Chooz and beam experiments in 2011. The Double Chooz reactor antineutrino experiment aims for a precise measurement of this parameter. Located at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France, it relies on a two identical detector measurement, canceling most of systematic uncertainties related to neutrino flux emission and detection. The near detector, located at a few hundred meters from the two reactor cores, aims to monitor the flux νe from the cores. The far detector, located at a distance of about one kilometer from the reactor cores near the expected first maximum of the oscillation, measures an energy dependent deficit in the electron antineutrino spectrum. Different approaches are used to extract θ13: A combined rate and spectral shape analysis as well as a background-model-independent analysis based on reactor power variations. A unique feature of the Double Chooz experiment is that it was able to take data during a time period with both reactors off. This provides access to the background only measurement, allowing to crosscheck the background models used in the oscillation analysis. A new analysis based on 467.90 live days with 66.5 GW-ton-years of exposure with far detector only, leads to a value of sin22θ13 = 0:090+0:032-0.029. Data taking in the near detector has started end of 2014, enabling a significant reduction of both reactor and detector related systematics uncertainties in a near future.

A model-based approach to operational event groups ranking

Abstract The operational experience (OE) feedback provides improvements in all industrial activities. Identification of the most important and valuable groups of events within accumulated experience is important in order to focus on a detailed investigation of events. The paper describes the new ranking method and compares it with three others. Methods have been described and applied to OE events utilised by nuclear power plants in France and Germany for twenty years. The results show that different ranking methods only roughly agree on which of the event groups are the most important ones. In the new ranking method the analytical hierarchy process is applied in order to assure consistent and comprehensive weighting determination for ranking indexes. The proposed method allows a transparent and flexible event groups ranking and identification of the most important OE for further more detailed investigation in order to complete the feedback.

Uncertainty Analysis of Method-Based Operating Event Groups Ranking

Safe operation and industrial improvements are coming from the technology development and operational experience (OE) feedback. A long life span for many industrial facilities makes OE very important. Proper assessment and understanding of OE remains a challenge because of organization system relations, complexity, and number of OE events acquired. One way to improve OE events understanding is to focus their investigation and analyze in detail the most important. The OE ranking method is developed to select the most important events based on the basic event parameters and the analytical hierarchy process applied at the level of event groups. This paper investigates further how uncertainty in the model affects ranking results. An analysis was performed on the set of the two databases from the 20 years of nuclear power plants in France and Germany. From all uncertainties the presented analysis selected ranking indexes as the most relevant for consideration. Here the presented analysis of uncertainty clearly shows that considering uncertainty is important for all results, especially for event groups ranked closely and next to the most important one. Together with the previously performed sensitivity analysis, uncertainty assessment provides additional insights and a better judgment of the event groups’ importance in further detailed investigation.

Reactorν¯edisappearance in the Double Chooz experiment

The Double Chooz experiment has observed 8,249 candidate electron antineutrino events in 227.93 live days with 33.71 GW-ton-years (reactor power x detector mass x livetime) exposure using a 10.3 cubic meter fiducial volume detector located at 1050 m from the reactor cores of the Chooz nuclear power plant in France. The expectation in case of theta13 = 0 is 8,937 events. The deficit is interpreted as evidence of electron antineutrino disappearance. From a rate plus spectral shape analysis we find sin^2 2{\theta}13 = 0.109 \pm 0.030(stat) \pm 0.025(syst). The data exclude the no-oscillation hypothesis at 99.8% CL (2.9{\sigma}).

Indication of Reactorν¯eDisappearance in the Double Chooz Experiment

The Double Chooz experiment presents an indication of reactor electron antineutrino disappearance consistent with neutrino oscillations. An observed-to-predicted ratio of events of 0.944±0.016(stat)±0.040(syst) was obtained in 101 days of running at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France, with two 4.25 GWth reactors. The results were obtained from a single 10 m3 fiducial volume detector located 1050 m from the two reactor cores. The reactor antineutrino flux prediction used the Bugey4 flux measurement after correction for differences in core composition. The deficit can be interpreted as an indication of a nonzero value of the still unmeasured neutrino mixing parameter sin22θ13. Analyzing both the rate of the prompt positrons and their energy spectrum, we find sin22θ13=0.086±0.041(stat)±0.030(syst), or, at 90% C.L., 0.017<sin22θ13<0.16.Received 27 January 2012DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.131801© 2012 American Physical Society

Use of simulation in the NDE qualification process in France: application to the EPR RPV inspection

The French Ministerial Order of 10 November 1999 requires the qualification of all NDE carried out on the Main Primary Circuit of a Nuclear Power Plant in France. This applies equally to the In-Service Inspection of the existing fleet as to the Pre-Service, and eventual In-Service, Inspection (PSI and ISI) for the European Pressurised-water Reactor (EPR) New Build programme in France. The qualification procedure establishes the level of performance guaranteed by each inspection process (in terms of coverage of the zone to be inspected, sensitivity of the process, and defect sizing and positioning), and is supported by three elements: engineering reasoning, simulation and physical trials. This paper will explore the use of simulations in the qualification process to be carried out on the EPR in France, building on the experience from the existing fleet. The focus will be on the influence of the identified variables on the process performances through the use of ultrasound (US) simulations (based on CIVA software). Comparison will be made with the final physical trials to consolidate the findings. The process will be illustrated by real applications relating to the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV), in particular to the flange boltholes.

Childhood leukaemia incidence below the age of 5 years near French nuclear powerplants

A recent study indicated an excess risk of leukaemia among children under the age of5 years living in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in Germany. We presentresults relating to the incidence of childhood leukaemia in the vicinity of nuclearpower plants in France for the same age range. These results do not indicatean excess risk of leukaemia in young children living near French nuclear powerplants.

Results and insights from level-1 probabilistic safety assessments for nuclear power plants in France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States

The level-1 results of 14 PSAs from 6 countries were evaluated, leading to the following conclusions: benefits—in terms of reduced CDF—from the increased redundancy, improved spatial separation and enhanced automation of the systems, that exist in newer plants, are only seen for PWRs. In the older BWRs, the absence of such features is compensated by a high degree of intermeshing and greater flexibility for using alternate RPV-injection and heat removal. Two old plants that have been equipped with completely independent, bunkered emergency systems, compare favourably with modern plants; preventive AM is highly effective for transients in PWRs, and for accident situations involving the loss of heat removal in BWRs; for the newer plants, PWR as well as BWR, the contribution to the total CDF from common cause failures is consistently higher, and the contribution from operator errors consistently lower, than for the older plants; the CDF for BWRs is, in general, lower than for the PWRs. The largest impacts on the results and on their uncertainties are consistently observed for human errors, common cause failures, and initiator frequencies for LOCAs, in particular SLOCAs, in PWRs.