In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the level of nuclear safety and radiation protection is "generally satisfactory"

In 2024, the level of nuclear safety and radiation protection will remain generally satisfactory in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This was announced by the Lyon division of the ASNR (Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority) in its report drawn up on Tuesday, June 10. As a reminder, the Lyon division oversees nuclear safety, radiation protection, and the transport of radioactive substances at the region's various nuclear power plants and facilities.

A total of 339 inspections were carried out in the Rhône-Alpes region. These actions resulted in satisfactory results in many areas, such as the medical and industrial sectors.

"In 2024, radiation protection in the medical sector will remain at a satisfactory level," the report states. A level comparable to previous years. The ASNR indicates an acceleration of therapeutic innovation, notably thanks to the emergence of techniques such as internal vatorized radiotherapy, flash radiotherapy, and the installation of compact equipment.

Despite these advances, several signs call for vigilance. These include staffing pressures, poorly managed outsourcing of certain tasks, and rapid growth in teleradiology. These factors contribute to the increasing complexity of healthcare organizations.

Regarding the industrial, veterinary, and ionizing radiation research sectors, the ASN's assessment remains mixed, as in previous years. The ASN notes that efforts are being maintained overall, but gaps persist depending on the sector, the maturity of the structures, and the resources allocated. The ANS specifies that while basic obligations are being met, gaps remain in site signage, the implementation of regulatory checks, and coordination between contractors and companies.

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has four nuclear power plants and numerous other facilities within its territory. Of the 339 inspections carried out in 2024, 115 concerned the nuclear power plants of Bugey, Saint-Alban, Cruas-Meysse, and Tricastin.

The ASN considers that the Bugey nuclear power plant is operated and maintained fairly satisfactorily within the context of a busy industrial program. It stands out in certain areas such as fire risk management. At Saint-Alban, the ASN considers that the nuclear power plant is operated and maintained satisfactorily within a context of sustained industrial activity. For the Cruas-Meysse plant, the ASN considers that the operational rigor improvement plan, implemented in 2023, must be continued "within the context of a busy industrial program." Finally, the Tricastin plant's nuclear safety performance was deemed satisfactory.

As for other nuclear facilities, the ASN considers that the safety level of the Orano Tricastin site is satisfactory and that the operator has improved its radiation protection of workers. The safety level of the Framatome facilities is described as "satisfactory", as is the high flux reactor (RHF) at the Laue Langevin Institute and the Superphénix reactor and fuel storage workshop (APEC) at Creys-Malville.

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