Dismantling EDF's Fessenheim nuclear power plant

An innovative flagship project for the future of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) in France.

Fessenheim nuclear power plant

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

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

In order to meet these requirements, the nuclear heating and ventilation systems must be modified before dismantling operations can begin, scheduled to start in 2026. This work is essential to adapt existing systems to the increased ventilation requirements during dismantling activities, which are expected to last around 15 years.

EDF DP2D, the Decommissioning and Waste Projects Division, is responsible for several key aspects of the project to dismantle the nuclear power plant

Reference pilot project:


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

Safety and security:


Guaranteeing the safety of workers and the public while complying with nuclear safety imperatives during dismantling activities.

Heating technology :


Change heating technology to electric heating. This will make it possible to definitively abandon oil-fired heating, which is one of the conditions for entry into decommissioning in 2026.

Equans provided innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of pre-dismantling nuclear power plants

2x8-hour shifts:


Certain critical services are carried out in double shifts to meet the deadlines imposed by EDF's schedule.

Specific procedures and training sites:


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

Shift rotation :


Limit the radiological doses received by workers through efficient shift rotation.

3D kinematics:


Use of 3D simulations to anticipate accessibility and assembly constraints in congested premises.

3D studies:


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

Figures and key points for the successful pre-dismantling of a PWR nuclear power plant.

2
units of 900 MW each.
10
modified ventilation networks.
650 mètres
25 tons of sheathing to be removed and installed.
1,5 an
tender.
1,5 an
(20 people at peak).
2 ans
(18 people at peak).
10 M€
Total value: Over 10 million euros.
2
units of 900 MW each.
10
modified ventilation networks.
650 mètres
25 tons of sheathing to be removed and installed.
1,5 an
tender.
1,5 an
(20 people at peak).
2 ans
(18 people at peak).
10 M€
Total value: Over 10 million euros.
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