FORATOM welcomes EC approval of EPR investment
plan
FORATOM, the trade association representing
the interests of the European nuclear power industry, has warmly
welcomed the approval given today by the European Commission (EC)
to the investment plan for the construction of an EPR (European
pressurised water reactor) nuclear power plant at Flamanville,
France, that was submitted by Electricité de France (EDF).
The green light given today to the investment
plan that underpins the construction of a new-generation EPR power
plant at EDF’s nuclear facilities in north western France
was the culmination of a lengthy approval process. This process
involved, in accordance with the terms of the Euratom Treaty,
prior notification by the project owners and the subsequent statutory
approval of the EC. The construction of the EPR in France could
signal the gradual renewal of the French nuclear fleet. It is
not, however, a first – a groundbreaking EPR is already
under construction at the Olkiluoto plant in Finland, which is
run by the Finnish power utility TVO. However, the fact that it
will be built in France, which is Europe’s premier nuclear
country, is highly significant. Furthermore, the technology behind
the EPR was co-developed by EDF and AREVA-NP in the 1990s, in
partnership with the German engineering company, Siemens. The
national nuclear safety authorities in France and Germany were
also associated with the development of the EPR project from day
one.
The new reactor’s design represents the
very latest in cutting edge nuclear technology and sets a new
benchmark in terms of safety, environmental protection and economic
performance. Significantly, the investment plan approved by the
EC took into consideration all relevant costs, including those
associated with waste management and decommissioning, which shows
the economic added value of the project.
Within the context of European energy policy,
which was recently articulated through the EC’s consultation
document Energy Policy Green Paper: A European Strategy
for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy,
the EC’s approval of the investment plan that will fund
the construction of the latest EPR shows clearly how nuclear energy
is now officially recognised as a key policy driver. A fundamental
element of that policy is the promotion of an energy mix that
includes nuclear energy and all low-carbon emitting technologies.
Commenting on the EC’s rubber stamping
of the funding project, Santiago San Antonio, Director General
of FORATOM, was quick to add: “We welcome the European Commission’s
decision to approve the EPR project’s investment plan. The
decision represents a clear recognition and endorsement of the
vital role that nuclear energy has to play in ensuring security
of energy supply, combating climate change and providing a safe,
efficient and affordable supply of base-load electricity. The
construction of the EPRs in France and Finland will enable Europe
to maintain its position of leadership in a technological field
that is vital to its sustainability goals and future prosperity.
Other countries around the world are actively looking to exploit
this state-of-the-art technology, which confirms that the global
nuclear revival is gathering momentum. Nuclear is not the only
solution, but there is no solution without it.”
For further information please contact Mark O’Donovan at
FORATOM: mark.odonovan@foratom.org;
Tel. 02/ 505 32 26
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