Waste from nuclear plants – radioactively contaminated scrap on the Rhine? Survey started – Economy

Fessenheim (dpa/lsw) – France’s Commission for Public Debates (CNDP) wants to explain today how the public will be involved in the planned smelting plant for low-level radioactive scrap in Fessenheim, Alsace, in the coming months. The community right on the border with Germany is currently the site of a nuclear power plant that was shut down four years ago.

The new industrial project by the French energy company EDF is particularly controversial in neighboring Germany. The Baden-Württemberg state government and the Freiburg regional council have already spoken out several times against the construction of the so-called Technocentre. But the decisions are ultimately made in France.

Public debate runs until February

The CNDP started the citizen participation this Thursday and runs until February 7th. Due to the proximity to the border, documents are also available in German. The public debate enables the energy company to present the project to all affected and interested parties and to discuss goals and risks.

Industrial project is scheduled to be completed in 2031

EDF will start scrap recycling on a previously unused site in Fessenheim in 2031. Around 450 million euros are to be invested. Potentially 500,000 tons of metals from all over France can be recycled, such as steam generators from domestic nuclear power plants. Material could also come from abroad, according to the project description. There are still several hurdles to clear before final approval.

France relies on nuclear power

The project is being criticized by environmentalists on both sides of the Rhine because they fear radioactivity in recycled metals. Unlike Germany, France continues to rely on the expansion of nuclear power for its energy supply and the achievement of climate protection goals. President Emmanuel Macron will significantly strengthen the country’s nuclear sector. The Fessenheim nuclear power plant, southeast of Colmar, not far from the border with Germany, was shut down in 2020 after 42 years of operation. Demolition is expected to begin in 2026.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:241008-930-254339/1