Decommissioning of EDF's Fessenheim Nuclear Power Plant

A flagship and innovative project for the future of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) in France.

Fessenheim Nuclear Power Plant

EDF's nuclear power plant in Fessenheim, located in the Haut-Rhin department, is home to the two oldest PWRs in France's nuclear fleet.

Commissioned in 1977 and 1978, they were permanently shut down in 2020 in accordance with the law of August 17, 2015, on the energy transition for green growth. Over 43 years of operation, the nuclear power plant generated 448 TWh of electricity, equivalent to 30 years of electricity consumption in Alsace. 

Before decommissioning operations—scheduled to begin in 2026—can commence, the nuclear heating and ventilation systems must be modified to meet these requirements. This work is essential to adapt the existing systems to the increased ventilation needs during decommissioning activities, which are expected to last approximately 15 years.

EDF DP2D, the Decommissioning and Waste Management Division, is responsible for several key aspects of this nuclear power plant decommissioning project

Pilot Reference Project:


Fessenheim is to serve as a model for the future decommissioning of other PWR-type power plants.

Safety and Security:


Ensuring the safety of workers and the public while complying with nuclear safety requirements during decommissioning activities.

Heating technology:


Replace the heating system with an electric heating system. This will allow us to permanently phase out oil-fired heating, which is one of the conditions for beginning decommissioning in 2026.

Equans provided innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of the pre-decommissioning phase of the nuclear power plant

Work in two 8-hour shifts:


Certain critical tasks are performed in two shifts to meet the deadlines set by EDF's schedule.

Specific procedures and school construction projects:


To train teams to work in environments containing asbestos and lead.

Team Rotation:


Limit the radiation doses received by workers through effective rotation.

3D Visualizations:


Using 3D simulations to anticipate accessibility and installation challenges in cramped spaces.

3D Studies:


Design of ventilation systems using REVIT software, based on 3D scans of the power plant.

Key figures and points for the successful implementation of the pre-decommissioning of a PWR-type nuclear power plant.

2
phases of 900 MW each.
10
modified ventilation systems.
650 mètres
25 metric tons of conduits to be delivered and installed.
1,5 an
bidding process.
1,5 an
research (20 people at peak activity).
2 ans
construction sites (18 people at the peak of activity).
10 M€
Total amount: More than 10 million euros.
2
phases of 900 MW each.
10
modified ventilation systems.
650 mètres
25 metric tons of conduits to be delivered and installed.
1,5 an
bidding process.
1,5 an
research (20 people at peak activity).
2 ans
construction sites (18 people at the peak of activity).
10 M€
Total amount: More than 10 million euros.
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