Nuclear Engineering Failure in France

Nuclear Power Plants in France "At Risk of Catastrophic Failure"

A new review for nuclear power plant safety in France found that at least 18 of the units owned by EDF are at major risk of failure due to carbon anomalies.  The review found that parts of the units contain very high levels of carbon, making the metal parts brittle and subject to total failure.  In steel, an excess of carbon reduces the toughness of the material and makes the components of the reactors subject to quick fracturing.  There is a major risk of a huge radioactive release to the environment because of this flaw.

The parts for the plants were provided by by a French nuclear engineering firm, Areva, and created at its Le Creusot.  After several months of investigation, it was found that 28 other plants were created by Le Creusot using the same process.  As a result of these potential failures, many of EDF's plants have been closed for further testing, and parts of the reactors, specifically the reactor pressure vessel and steam generators, will most likely have to be scrapped.

At the same time, these problems concerning nuclear power plants have driven up power prices in France and Europe.  Electricity prices rose in the French power market as a result of nuclear power plant closures.  In addition, power prices have been driven up across Europe to a year-high.  EDF's credit and funding have been decreased because of these potential failures, and power prices in Europe could continue to rise.


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