Cattenom might operate until 2052

(CS) French nuclear power plant Cattenom presented its 2011 review and plans to remain open for the next 40 years, after a turbulent year for nuclear energy and criticism of the plant growing louder.

Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in early 2011, the nuclear plant just across the border, underwent several stress tests. While the French nuclear security agency ASN rated Cattenom satisfactory, it issued several recommendations and suggestions for improvement.

At the same time an expert assessment from seven European countries, with Luxembourg among them, will be released in June. In the meantime the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is conducting an OSART mission, assessing crisis management, with a report due in March.

The aim, according to director Stéphane Dupré de la Tour is to ensure a 60-year running time of the reactors, which would last until 2052 for reactor 4.

In 2011 the power plant produced 34.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, slightly less than in previous years due to maintenance work. Cattenom now employs 1,227 workers, more than ever before.

Three anomalies in 2011

In 2011, three nuclear incidents occurred, all classified as 1 in the International Nuclear Event Scale, labelled as anomalies. In 2010 this number was higher with six anomalies, and nine in 2009. However, Dupré de la Tour insisted there had been no danger to humans or the environment at any time.

The incident from January 18, 2012, did not fall into the report. It was recently upgraded from anomaly to a category 2 incident, due to its potential risks.

It was found that a particular part, preventing the backflow of cooling water in blocks 2 and 3 was missing, presenting a potential security risk. Under normal circumstances however, Dupré de la Tour highlighted, this should not be a problem, as it serves as one of three devices preventing the basins from running empty. He added that reparations had finished last week, correcting the problem.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Juncker said that he wanted “absolute clarity” from Paris on the security of the disputed plant. “Otherwise we are of the opinion that Cattenom should be closed,” he said after a meeting with Saarland's premier Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.