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GDF SUEZ and the nuclear energy
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GDF SUEZ confirms its strategic decision to promote a diversified and balanced energy mix. For the most part comprised of natural gas, nuclear energy and renewable energy sources – mainly hydraulic but also a growing proportion of wind energy and biomass – this energy mix is designed to promote low CO²-emission energy generation. Nuclear energy plays a key role in this strategy.
Nuclear energy at the heart of GDF SUEZ
GDF SUEZ is a pioneer of nuclear energy in Europe (development of the first pressurized water reactor built in Belgium) and is one of the few players in the sector with expert skills both upstream (engineering, purchasing, operations, maintenance) and downstream (waste management, dismantling).
To coordinate the activity of its subsidiaries while guaranteeing safety, the Group has developed a dedicated organizational structure: a Nuclear Development Department and a Nuclear Safety and Radioprotection Department.
As a nuclear operator, GDF SUEZ owns and operates reactors in Belgium through Electrabel, owns stakes in the Chooz and Tricastin plants in France (1,208 MW) – the equivalent of one nuclear reactor – and also owns drawing rights in Germany.
Group nuclear strategy
GDF SUEZ’s longstanding decision to develop a diversified and flexible energy mix has proven itself viable and important, particularly in the wake of the Fukushima catastrophe.
GDF SUEZ confirms its nuclear strategy, which is based on maintaining a very high level of safety and efficiency in power plants currently in operation. This strategy also foresees nuclear power’s continued contribution to the energy mix over the long term, close to the current level (10%).
This will be achieved through two complementary priorities: continue to operate existing facilities, the performance of which is ranked among the best in the world; and by 2020 own and operate new nuclear reactors offering the highest levels of safety.
Nuclear safety is the guiding thread in this strategy and is part of our standard commitment, with the primary objective being to protect our employees, the public and the environment. Safety is a key consideration at every stage of our nuclear activities, from design through to construction and operation of our power plants.
- Operating existing plants in complete safety
The Group will continue to operate its 7 reactors at the Doel and Tihange sites in Belgium for as long as technical, legal and economic conditions allow, with safety an absolute priority.
- Operating reactors with the highest levels of safety in the period to 2020
GDF SUEZ is studying the possibility of developing new nuclear projects – using highly selective investment criteria – with a view to the operation of several new plants by 2020 in countries that are committed to developing an adequate security framework and ethic of responsibility, with safety as the ongoing priority.
- Total freedom of action
GDF SUEZ retains full freedom of action in the development of nuclear projects in Europe and around the world. Where appropriate, such projects may be rolled out in cooperation with players in the French public nuclear sector or with other international partners.
Thanks to this freedom of action, we will be in a position to respond to a wide diversity of requirements, adapt to different environments – technical, economic or safety – and create the best conditions to successfully take on the competition. To do so, we have to be able to act alongside various equipment manufacturers and have a variety of nuclear reactor technologies in our portfolio. This is an essential condition for us to be successful in this field.
GDF SUEZ, a player in the worldwide nuclear revival
- In France, the Group recently made a proposal to the government for the construction of a 3rd generation ATMEA1™ reactor (an AREVA/MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES joint venture)
- In the United Kingdom, the Group has set up a joint venture with Iberdrola, and purchased land in 2010 for the development of nuclear facilities with a capacity of 3,600 MW by 2020
- In Brazil, the Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Eletronuclear/Eletrobras in 2009
- The Group is pursuing a number of active contacts for current development projects in Saudi Arabia, the United States, Poland and Turkey.
| Nuclear specialists, come and join us! | |
| GDF SUEZ currently employs 4,000 people in its nuclear activities. Between now and 2016 nearly 1,000 additional people will have to be hired to cover the development of the Group’s projects. Recruiting and training programs have been set up to cope with this new challenge; they include the Nuclear Trainees Program, which combines theoretical learning and field experience under the supervision of a coach, allowing junior engineers to become nuclear generalists while creating a sold network within the Group. At the same time, | |
Major R&D investments
GDF SUEZ is concentrating its nuclear R&D efforts on:
- improving the performance and safety of reactors,
- waste management,
- improving technologies,
- 3rd and 4th generation reactors,
- the dismantling of facilities,
- nuclear fusion, etc.
To this effect, the Group is involved in numerous joint research programs, with the CEA, the SCK-CEN and the European Commission with the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP).
Complete transparency in nuclear energy
Nuclear power is an energy of the future but it is a form of energy that is often misunderstood. Some education is needed for everyone to understand it.
The Group also participates in think-tanks and informational campaigns on nuclear, including the European Nuclear Energy Forum, as part of an initiative by the European Commission.
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GDF SUEZ recognized by OSART for the very high safety level of its nuclear facilities. |
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