EPR, SMRs, and radiation protection: Key takeaways from the ASNR 2024 nuclear safety report

In its 2024 annual report on the state of nuclear safety in France, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) observes a satisfactory safety level across all branches of the nuclear sector. Several major events, including the commissioning of the EPR, marked the year and made it particularly intense from a safety perspective.

ASNR released its report on May 22, 2025, covering the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France during 2024. For the 19th consecutive year, the Authority presented it before the Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (OPECST). This also marked the first time the presentation was delivered under the banner of the new unified nuclear safety authority, formed from the merger of the former ASN and IRSN.

Key Highlights from 2024

The year 2024 was marked by intense activity across the nuclear sector. First and foremost, it saw the startup of the Flamanville EPR, for which ASNR was called upon repeatedly—ranging from authorizing its commissioning on May 7, 2024, to granting approval for various power level increases. ASNR is expected to soon approve the final ramp-up stage to 80% power. The Authority noted several incidents—though without environmental impact—that slowed the reactor’s power ramp-up. These were primarily human and organizational in nature, largely due to the operational teams’ lack of experience. Nevertheless, ASNR acknowledged EDF’s efforts to respond to these issues and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Secondly, 2024 was a year of rapid momentum for new players in the small modular reactor (SMR and AMR) space. Companies like Jimmy and Calogena have already submitted their preliminary safety option files and are entering the review process, while others—such as Naarea and Newcleo—are not far behind. This uptick in activity is encouraging for innovative projects, but ASNR warned that “the deployment timelines presented are often unrealistic.” In particular, setting up a dedicated fuel cycle for some designs will require significant time and investment.

Thirdly, at the end of 2024, ASNR published its positions on the fifth periodic safety review (PSR) for the 32 900 MWe reactors set to operate beyond 50 years. This new review builds upon the objectives of the fourth PSR, with a renewed focus on equipment compliance, aging management, and the impact of climate change. At the same time, the generic phase of the fourth PSR for all 1300 MWe reactors was completed. ASNR will publish its overall assessment of this phase by July 2025.

Fourth, the field of radiation protection saw significant growth, particularly in the medical sector, which experienced a surge in technological innovation. Since medical procedures represent the primary source of population exposure to radiation, ASNR emphasized the importance of supporting and informing healthcare professionals and the public on these matters. The Authority also urged healthcare stakeholders to better anticipate future needs to facilitate timely regulatory developments.

Areas of Concern

Despite overall positive safety findings for 2024, ASNR highlighted several areas requiring continued vigilance. Sustaining a high standard of nuclear safety and radiation protection is essential in the face of accelerating and expanding projects.

1. Radiation Protection: Special attention must be paid to radiation protection in the medical field, particularly for wastewater managers who may come into contact with radioactive hospital effluents. “The current level of radiation protection in healthcare is satisfactory, but persistent vulnerabilities could, under pressure, lead to a weakening of safety culture,” noted Géraldine Pina, ASNR Commissioner.

2. Reactor Lifetime Extension: Maintaining stringent safety and review standards is vital as reactors continue operation beyond their original lifespans. This includes industrialization and standardization of refurbishments, and forward planning for operation beyond 60 years. “The key priorities for the fifth PSR are ensuring facility compliance, verifying equipment qualification beyond 50 years, and managing aging infrastructure—particularly in light of climate change impacts,” said ASNR Commissioner Olivier Dubois.

3. Fuel Cycle: There is a pressing need to secure the future of fuel cycle infrastructure and support new facility projects. In particular, the La Hague spent fuel pools face saturation risks. “Any disruption in the fuel cycle translates into increased pool inventory,” explained Pierre Bois, ASNR Deputy Director-General. A complete halt of the cycle—considered a major disruption—could lead to saturation in about nine months. Operators are urged to swiftly implement mitigation strategies, including the denser storage basket systems currently under regulatory review.

4. SMRs & AMRs: The rapid development of innovative reactor projects calls for tailored safety objectives and frameworks. “These small reactors offer promising safety benefits but are likely to be deployed at non-nuclear sites for commercial clients. These could be in industrial zones, natural hazard areas, or densely populated regions—making emergency planning and population protection more complex,” commented ASNR Commissioner Stéphanie Guénot Bresson.

5. Project Management: “The nuclear industry must rise to the challenge of project management, industrial performance, and maintaining quality and safety culture across the entire subcontractor chain,” stated ASNR President Pierre-Marie Abadie. The Authority continues to observe inconsistencies in project quality and the systematic application of best practices.■