how EDF wants to adapt its nuclear fleet to global warming

by time news

2023-05-17 17:46:39

With the renovation of its nuclear fleet and the construction of new reactors, a major challenge is looming for EDF: adapting its production fleet to the consequences of global warming, with the risk of drought and repeated heat waves. The company explained, Tuesday, May 16, what solutions it imagines for the next few years.

Anticipating the next summers

Reactor cooling is the third largest water consumer in France (12% of the total), behind agriculture (58%) and drinking water production (26%). For now, climate-related production losses remain limited. They have been around 0.3% on average per year for twenty years, “but could be around 1.5% by 2050”underlines Cécile Laugier, environment director of the nuclear production division of EDF.

In a report published at the end of March, the Court of Auditors asked EDF to« acceleratedpromote research and implementation of water-efficient cooling systems ». In mid-April, the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) reminded the group of the « need to anticipate » of the « coming summers.

A “very hot” plan from 2003

Today, the electrician seeks to calm concerns on this sensitive subject, regularly pointed out by opponents of nuclear power. “From the 1st IPCC report in 1990, we set up a working group dedicated to understanding climate changeand funded research work with Météo France”assures Sylvie Parey, engineer in the R & D department of EDF.

Since then, the climate has been integrated into the group’s risk mapping and several plans have been drawn up, such as the “very hot” plan, after the 2003 heat wave. “The objective is both to adapt the existing and to make future installations resilient”explains Alexandre Marty, head of the climate division in the EDF impact department.

EPR2s raised above sea level

For the six EPR2 reactors that will be built (the first pair in Penly, the second in Gravelines and the third in the Rhône Valley), the electrician explains that he has planned “two redundant and diversified cooling systems”, one from water and the other using outside air, via cooling towers. The design of new reactors located by the sea will also take into account the one meter rise in sea level.

EDF adapts its nuclear fleet to heat waves

But the main difficulties concern the current fleet of reactors, for which refurbishments could prove to be more complicated, with different constraints depending on the technologies used. EDF has 26 reactors operating in an open circuit: the water withdrawn is used to cool the reactor and then discharged into its environment. The volumes drawn are significant but they are restored at 100%, with however a temperature raised by 2 degrees, which can have significant consequences for the fauna and flora. Five plants are particularly concerned: those of Saint-Alban, Tricastin, Bugey, Blayais and Golfech.

Work is in progress

On the other hand, for its 30 closed circuit reactors, which are on the banks of the river and equipped with cooling towers, another problem arises. The amount of water taken is much lower, but nearly a quarter evaporates and is therefore not returned. This is worrying when the flows are low. This is particularly the case in Chooz (Ardennes), where the operation of the plant depends on an agreement signed between France and Belgium. It stipulates that in the event of a minimum flow of the Meuse, priority must be given to Belgian users, for drinking water.

At EDF, several solutions are being deployed or under consideration. The group is working on a project to recover the water vapor that comes out of the towers, developed by American researchers from MIT. It should be tested by the end of the year. “There is a range of solutions already in place in nuclear power plants subjected to high heat, which we can draw inspiration from. “says Hervé Cordier, expert at EDF’s engineering department.

In Bugey, experiments are underway to consume less water. In Civaux, additional reservoirs are being built to store effluents that cannot be discharged during low water periods, and will soon be fitted to other power stations. Engineers are also working on improving the performance of air coolers.

Review the regulations

Finally, there is the evolution of the regulations on water discharges, with thresholds set several decades ago and which could be raised, believes EDF, explaining that it has initiated discussions with the Nuclear Safety Authority.

The question should generate a lot of debate. Last summer, the government had thus authorized EDF to temporarily derogate from the standards, given the tensions on the energy system.

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