ASNR considers that the measures put in place to guard against the risks of mixing of incompatible chemical substances, and their application on the sites, are not satisfactory. The inspectors’ findings show that the issues at stake have not been fully taken on board by the workers involved. ASNR expects EDF to take the necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of the procedures currently in place to prevent such risks, and to accelerate the rollout of the planned new measures. The situations requiring the implementation of a crisis organisation in 2025 and the inspections carried out in this area confirm the high standard observed in recent years. In particular, ASNR notes that the principles of organisation, preparedness and management of emergency situations had been well assimilated. Nevertheless, as in previous years, ASNR considers that EDF must improve through-life support for the resources that could be mobilised in an emergency situation, as well as training and situational exercises for the personnel concerned. MAINTENANCE Maintenance of NPPs remains at a satisfactory level. The nuclear reactor outage campaign was well managed in 2025, thanks in particular to improvements in the scheduling of maintenance activities and the “Start” programme introduced by EDF. ASNR also noted the improvement in the general condition of the installations, and that the measures taken by EDF to improve the detection and resolution of deviations are continuing to bear fruit. However, ASNR considers that EDF must continue to improve the preparation of maintenance activities. Several significant events and inspections highlighted shortcomings in the preparation or execution of activities. REACTOR IMPROVEMENTS AND CONTINUED OPERATION The modifications made to the facilities and operational methods by EDF within the framework of the fourth periodic safety reviews of the 900 MWe and 1,300 MWe nuclear reactors are significantly improving the safety of the facilities, making it possible to aim for the same safety objectives as those of the third-generation reactors. These periodic safety reviews mobilise significant resources within EDF. By the end of 2025, 25 out of the 32-strong fleet of 900 MWe nuclear reactors had started or completed their fourth ten-yearly outages. At the beginning of 2026, EDF also started the first fourth ten-yearly outage of its 1,300 MWe reactors. ASNR notes that the fourth periodic safety reviews of the 900 MWe and 1,300 MWe reactors are proceeding smoothly, and considers that EDF must continue its efforts to prepare for and implement the planned modifications to the installations in good conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ASNR considers that the management of effluent discharges into the environment by the sites was under control in 2025. It noted a reduction in the number of deviations in 2024 involving non-compliance with arrangements for checks on and monitoring of effluents or the environment. It also noted improvements in the arrangements for dealing with liquid spillage involving dangerous substances. However, events that occurred in 2025 as well as situational exercises organised by ASNR revealed shortcomings in the containment of fire-fighting water. The improvement observed in waste management since 2022 is continuing. However, there is still room for improvement in management of waste inventories and interim storage durations, in a context in which ASNR again noted that dedicated interim storage spaces are saturated. WORKER RADIATION PROTECTION AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY In 2025, as in 2024, EDF continued its proactive approach to reducing point sources of radiation. However, ASNR remains critical of risk management with regard to radiological contamination dispersion and the implementation of containment measures at worksites. In particular, it considers that EDF must reduce the number of cases of worker contamination and contamination spots on site roads. Progress was observed in the management of industrial radiography worksites and in the training of personnel responsible for controlling access to reactor buildings. Conversely, difficulties persist regarding the supervision of outside contractors and the attitude of some workers towards their own radiation protection, particularly with regard to the use of dosimeters. In addition, the findings made regarding occupational health and safety in 2024 are still relevant in 2025. For example, worksite preparation needs to be improved to limit the risks of exposure to asbestos and lead. ASNR inspections also highlighted problems with collective protection against falls from height, protection of personnel in the event of fire, and periodic verifications of electrical installations and ventilation systems. SUPERVISION OF SUBCONTRACTED ACTIVITIES AND SUPPLIERS ASNR noted a positive dynamic within NPPs with regard to the improvement of contractor skills. EDF is implementing tangible measures, such as increased provision of spaces for preparation of activities on mock-ups. EDF’s supervision of subcontracted activities is improving overall. However, the difficulties encountered by certain outside contractors mean that EDF must continue to step up its actions. ASNR also monitors the supply chain for equipment that is important for the safety of NPPs, in view of the importance of this equipment. ASNR notes that the industry has tackled the issue of manufacturing quality, and that visible progress has been made. Inspections carried out by ASNR have revealed an improvement in the way the industry takes regulatory requirements into account, providing evidence of a better safety culture among suppliers. Nevertheless, the inspectors once again noted weaknesses within EDF’s subcontracting chain, linked to the fact that certain quality standards and technical requirements specific to the nuclear sector were not well assimilated. One of the key reasons for this is a lack of clarity about the issues and implications associated with the technical requirements concerned. Inspectors also found that EDF does not sufficiently incorporate this dimension into its supplier qualification process. The EPR 2 reactor programme In 2023, EDF submitted the creation authorisation application for two EPR 2 reactors on the Penly site (Seine-Maritime département). ASNR completed the expert assessment phase of this application at the beginning of 2026. It underlines the quality of the technical discussions and the important work carried out by EDF to provide answers to the questions raised. The design of the EPR 2 reactor is more advanced than the Flamanville EPR reactor at the same stage, which is a positive point. With regard to the manufacture of equipment for the nuclear steam supply system, ASNR notes that Framatome and EDF have continued their efforts to implement design and manufacturing approaches that take into account operational experience feedback from the construction of the Flamanville EPR reactor. In particular, a large number of technical qualification operations has been carried out in 2025 to ensure that the manufacturing processes for forged parts are under control. ABSTRACTS – ASNR Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2025 21
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