Universal Registration Document 2021

Nuclear safety: a priority stake

EDF, in its capacity as a nuclear operator, takes responsibility for nuclear safety and, in a rapidly-changing context (market competition, environmental issues, European connection, etc.), reaffirms as its absolute priority the protection of the human and environmental health, among other things, through the prevention of accidents and the limiting of their consequences as regards nuclear safety. The implementation of the French nuclear power programme led EDF to establish a safety procedure that:

• takes into account, from the design stage, the risks that might arise during the operation of the power plants, whether relating to the actual operation of the facilities or to internal or external attacks;
• is based both on the application of strict rules of operation, and on the cautious and inquiring attitude of the technical teams thanks to the establishment of a true safety culture;
• is based on the cumulative experience of a standardised fleet;
• incorporates and fosters a continuous improvement approach that is notably embodied by the process of reactors periodical review that happens every 10 years and is monitored by the ASN to authorized the ongoing reactor operation;
• benefits from integrated nuclear engineering and Research & Development within the Group in order to anticipate the occurrence of failures, maintain the facilities in good working order, develop equipment on an ongoing basis, reassess safety margins and monitor technology advances, as well as the implementation of more effective new technologies and the management of sites being decommissioned;
• has a system of emergency preparation, through regular exercises and the implementation of dedicated systems such as the FARN;
• relies strongly on the development of skills. With this objective in mind, each nuclear generation site is equipped with a simulator used for training to cope with any type of situation.

Any serious event related to the Group's nuclear activities would have potential or proven consequences on the population and/or the environment of a territory. These elements make it a major extra-financial issue for the Group (see section 2.2.5 Risk 5C - Nuclear safety violations during operation resulting in nuclear civil liability).

3.3.1 Health and safety for all

EDF is committed to protecting the health and safety of all individuals. As part of this, the Group develops the highest standards in terms of nuclear and hydropower safety, health policies for its employees and subcontractors (reducing the number of accidents, eradicating fatal accidents, developing the management of psychosocial risks, adapting work organisation methods, guaranteeing a high level of social welfare etc.), sales offerings related to comfort and well-being, improvement of air quality and reductions in noise, visual or light pollution.

3.3.1.1 Nuclear safety 

The operational safety of nuclear facilities is taken into consideration from the initial design stage, and is regularly monitored, together with the implementation of an employee motivation policy and large-scale investment programmes. The Group’s nuclear safety policy is incorporated into training for both EDF employees and subcontractors. Nuclear safety is subject to internal controls (annual reviews, internal control plans and nuclear inspection audits in France) and external controls (peer reviews between corporate members of WANO ⁽¹⁾ and OSART ⁽²⁾ audits conducted by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)).

In France, the safety of nuclear facilities is controlled by the ASN. In the UK, the Office for Nuclear regulation (ONR) is the independent safety regulator in the civil nuclear sector. It monitors compliance with safety rules, including for the transport of radioactive materials. The “EDF group Nuclear Safety” policy was redefined in 2021⁽³⁾ (see section 1.4.1.2.2 “Environment, nuclear safety, radiation protection”).

Given the importance of the nuclear safety issue, clear and transparent information and communication on events and their possible impacts are promoted within the Group. This quality dialogue is sought and maintained with employees and their representatives, subcontractors, regulatory bodies (ASN and ONR), local authorities and all other stakeholders in nuclear safety.

The Nuclear Safety Council, chaired by EDF's Chairman and CEO, meets several times a year and periodically examines the annual nuclear safety report of the EDF Group. A General Inspector for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (IGSNR) is appointed by the Chairman and CEO to whom he reports. He carries out inspection missions in all the EDF Group's nuclear activities. Each year, it issues an opinion on safety within EDF. Its report is presented and discussed by the Nuclear Safety Council. It is then made public (see section 1.4.1.1.4.3).

For developments in nuclear safety, see in particular sections 1.4.1.1.2.2 “Environment, nuclear safety, radiation protection”, 1.4.5.1.2 “Activities of EDF Energy” and 2.2.5 “Specific risks related to nuclear activities”.

The methodology associated with this indicator is described in section 3.6 “Methodology”.

INES Indicator

(1) World Association of Nuclear Operators.

(2) Operational Safety Review Team.

(3) See section 1.4.1.1.2.2 « Environment, nuclear safety radiation protection » in France, and for UK see section 1.4.5.1.2.2 « Nuclear generation ».

(4) International Nuclear Event Scale.