Seine-Aval
Seine-Aval is a nuclear power plant located in the Normandy region of France, specifically in the commune of Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine in the Seine-Maritime department. Here are some key points about Seine-Aval:
History and Development
- The project for Seine-Aval was initiated to meet the increasing electricity demand in France, particularly in the industrial region of Normandy.
- Construction began in the late 1970s with the first concrete pour for the reactor building in 1978.
- The plant was designed with two units, but only one unit was completed due to changes in energy policy and economic considerations:
- Unit 1: A pressurized water reactor (PWR) with a capacity of 1,300 MWe, which entered commercial operation in 1985.
- Unit 2: Construction was halted, and the site was later repurposed.
Technical Specifications
- Seine-Aval is part of the French Nuclear Power Program, utilizing technology from Framatome (formerly known as Framatome ANP, now part of AREVA).
- The plant's reactor is a CP1 type, which is a variant of the standard PWR designed by Framatome.
- It has a single cooling tower and uses the River Seine for cooling water, which plays a crucial role in the plant's thermal management.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
- Being near the Seine River, the plant has been subject to environmental regulations to mitigate impacts on the river's ecosystem.
- There have been incidents related to water temperature and discharge, leading to regulatory reviews and upgrades to cooling systems.
- The plant has undergone several safety upgrades in response to international nuclear safety standards, especially post events like the Chernobyl Disaster and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster.
Economic Impact
- Seine-Aval has been a significant contributor to the local economy, providing jobs and supporting regional development.
- It has played a vital role in the energy supply for both industrial and residential sectors in Normandy.
Current Status
- As of the last update, Seine-Aval continues to operate under the oversight of Electricité de France (EDF), France's main electricity generation and distribution company.
- There have been discussions about the long-term future of the plant, including potential life extension or decommissioning plans, in line with France's energy transition policies.
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