nuclear-news

Uncertain future for France’s nuclear export industry

French nuclear export drive tainted by safety fears Google News By Dave Clark (AFP) –  5 Nov 09 PARIS — Safety fears and threats of winter power cuts have taken some of the shine off France’s world-beating nuclear industry, the country’s main source of power and a key plank in its foreign trade strategy………………

Any delay, however, could cost France its headstart in what will become a very competitive market to supply the 21st century’s first new generation of plants, with Japanese, Russian, Chinese and South Korean firms circling.

On Monday, safety agencies called on Areva to correct what they see as a potential design flaw in the EPR, saying that the day-by-day control systems of the reactor are too closely entwined with emergency safety systems……………..any more delays — both France’s Flamanville EPR and Finland’s Olikuluoto are already behind schedule — could cost it sales……………………

Meanwhile, if potential customers are looking to France’s domestic nuclear market as a model, they might find problems there as well.

Last week, French power grid operator RTE warned that electric production was at such a reduced level that it would be forced to import current over the winter and might have to ration or even cut supplies in some regions.

EDF refused to confirm how many power plants were out of service, but a telephone survey of nuclear sites by AFP showed on Monday that at least 19 of the 58 reactors were down and one was operating at 60 percent capacity.

AFP: French nuclear export drive tainted by safety fears

November 5, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1