Water Reactor (PWR) type nuclear power reactor, the experiments enable ageing studies to be performed on the materials and components subjected to a high neutron flux. After irradiation, the samples undergo destructive examination, notably in the research laboratories, in order to fully characterise the effects of irradiation. They are thus an important tool for the qualification of materials subjected to a neutron flux. These research reactors are also significant sources for the production of certain radionuclides for medical uses. The power of these reactors varies from a few tens to a hundred Megawatts thermal. These reactors operate in cycles of about 20 to 30 days. The Jules Horowitz Reactor (JHR – BNI 172), an irradiation reactor with a rated power of 100 MWth, is currently under construction in Cadarache. Commissioning of the facility, which comprises a number of milestones, is currently being reviewed by ASNR. On 19 July 2023, the Nuclear Policy Council also ratified the continued investment by the State and the sector to finalise the construction of the JHR, so that France would have this new operational facility by 2032-2034. This reactor will be able to support research on extending the lifetime of the existing NPP fleet, on the EPR 2, but also on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs – see chapter 9). It is also intended to provide a significant capacity for producing radionuclides for medical purposes. Fusion reactors Unlike the research reactors previously described and which use nuclear fission reactions, some research facilities aim to produce nuclear fusion reactions. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER facility – BNI 174) is an international fusion reactor project currently under construction in Cadarache. The purpose of ITER is to scientifically and technically demonstrate control of nuclear fusion by magnetic confinement of a deuterium-tritium plasma, during long-duration experiments with significant power (500 Megawatts – MW – for 400 seconds). The main risk control challenges and detrimental effects of this type of installation include controlling the containment of radioactive materials (tritium in particular) and the risks of exposure to ionising radiation owing to significant activation of materials under an intense neutron flux. The management of tritiated or activated waste is also a major issue for these facilities, even though their radiotoxicity 2. Tokamak, a Russian acronym meaning “oroidal chamber with magnetic coils”, is a machine that uses magnetic fields to create, confine and control a hot plasma of hydrogen isotopes in which the fusion reaction can occur. and half-lives are in principle very much lower than those of the operational wastes from nuclear fission reactors. In 2025, ITER Organization (IO) continued discussions with ASNR on the necessary adaptation of the regulatory framework to take into account the modification of the facility’s experimental programme and the “new reference scenario”. In 2025, IO also submitted the first files expected by ASNR with a view to authorisation of the assembly of the sectors of the tokamak vacuum chamber(2). ASNR has begun reviewing these files, confirming the improvement in the transparency of the interactions on the associated safety risks, already observed in previous years. 1.2 Laboratories and other research facilities 1.2.1 – CEA laboratories The laboratories carrying out research and development work for the nuclear sector contribute to enhancing knowledge for nuclear power production, fuel fabrication and reprocessing, and waste management. Principles and safety issues The main challenges inherent in these facilities are protecting persons against ionising radiation, preventing the dispersal of radioactive substances, controlling fire risks and controlling the chain reaction (criticality). The design principles for these laboratories are similar. Special areas, called “shielded cells” allow handling of and experimentation with radioactive substances, using appropriate handling systems. These shielded cells are designed with particularly thick walls and windows, to protect the operators against the ionising radiation. They also allow the containment of radioactive materials by means of a specific ventilation and filters system. The criticality risk is controlled through strict instructions regarding the handling, storage and monitoring of the materials being studied, and the use of specially designed equipment. Finally, the fire risk is managed using technical systems (fire doors, dampers, detectors, fire-fighting equipment, etc.) and an organisation that limits the presence of heat-producing materials. Personnel training and rigorous organisation are essential factors in guaranteeing the control of these main risks. Fuels and materials test laboratories Some of these laboratories, operated by CEA, are used to carry out a variety of experiments on irradiated materials or fuels. The purpose of some research programmes for example is to allow higher burn-up of fuels or improve their safety. Some of these facilities are also operated for fuel preparation and repackaging. The following fall within this category of laboratories: ∙the Active Fuel Examination Laboratory (LECA), in Cadarache and its extension, the Reprocessing, Clean-Out and Reconditioning Station (STAR), which make up BNI 55; ∙the Laboratory for Research and Fabrication of Advanced Nuclear Fuels (Lefca – BNI 123), located in Cadarache; ∙the Spent Fuel Testing Laboratory (LECI – BNI 50), located in Saclay. In 2025, CEA continued work to transform these facilities (seismic upgrades and reinforcements, removal from storage of radioactive substances and waste, etc.) and to reorganise its activities. ASNR has therefore begun the technical review of the request to amend the Lefca authorisation decree, which CEA wishes to use to carry out new activities in support of its other facilities and its decommissioning and clean-up projects. Research reactors under construction Cadarache: ITER, JHR CEA laboratories and materials storage facilities Cadarache: LECA/STAR, Lefca, Magenta Saclay: LECI Marcoule: Atalante Particle accelerators Caen: Ganil Genève: CERN Artificial radionuclides production plants Saclay: UPRA Industrial ionisation facilities Dagneux, Pouzauges, Sablé-sur-Sarthe : Ionisos Marseille: Gammaster Marcoule: Gammatec Saclay: Poséidon Research reactors Cadarache: Cabri Grenoble: RHF CAEN SABLÉ-SUR-SARTHE POUZAUGES DAGNEUX MARSEILLE GENÈVE GRENOBLE MARCOULE CADARACHE SACLAY Nuclear research and miscellaneous industrial facilities 10 11 13 12 A / Z ASNR Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2025 331 09 08 01 05 02 06 03 07 04
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