For a systemic approach to the adaptation of nuclear power plants to climate change
Held on March 21, 2023, the Snat Finance Committee organized a hearing for “follow-up” the investigation requests the Court of Auditors on the adaptation of the nuclear fleet to climate changepursuant to 2 of article 58 of the organic law relating to finance laws.
The Court’s investigation underlines that while production losses linked to climate change are currently limited, they may prove to be critical in the future in periods of high heat. Adaptations have been carried out since the 1990s, but the rapid evolution of knowledge on climate change imposes review of safety devices existing and the definition of a real adaptation strategy for the new nuclear.
The Court of Auditors thus makes several recommendations, including improved cost measurement adaptation to climate change of the nuclear production fleet, and strengthening research on water-efficient reactor cooling systems.
As an extension of this work, the special rapporteur for the “ecology, sustainable development and mobility” mission, Christine Lavarde, wished to highlight in an information report the imperative need to develop a systemic approach to adapting the nuclear fleet. Indeed, the consequences of climate change on the environment of power plants and the nuclear production chain can be a source of vulnerability for facilities. It is therefore appropriate to believe the conditions for genuine coordination between nuclear players.
Consult the information report
