NUCLEAR POWER PLANT EDF Nogent-sur-Seine
The EDF group UNPRECEDENTED GLOBAL ENERGY CHALLENGES DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC GROWTH WILL LEAD TO A 50% INCREASE IN ENERGY DEMAND BY THE YEAR 2030. THE CHALLENGE ENTAILS MEETING MASS DEMAND, WITHOUT DEPLETING ENERGY RESOURCES AND EXACERBATING GLOBAL WARMING. A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE FIELD OF ENERGY The EDF group is a European energy leader, operating in all segments of the electricity market: power generation, power transmission, power distribution, marketing and trading. In the electricity sector, the Group has the largest fleet of power plants and the biggest customer portfolio in Europe. It is also involved in selective operations around the world. One of its main strengths derives from the balance it has achieved between regulated and competitive activities in the energy sector. A RESPONSIBLE AND AMBITIOUS INDUSTRIAL PROGRAMME The group operates a power generation fleet, which is run on the key principles of diversity, performance and safety. Nuclear power plants, hydroelectric plants, fossil-fired plants and other renewable energies: 95% of the electricity it generates does not emit greenhouse gases. This combination of generation facilities, known as an energy mix, is a vital asset that allows for immediate adjustment to customer demand. The industrial programme is based on the development of renewable energies, eco-efficiency and the revival of nuclear power around the world. AN ECONOMIC ROLE MODEL IN THE REGION The EDF Group is the leading investor, as well as the biggest industrial and commercial employer, in the Champagne- Ardenne region. Its nuclear power plant at Nogent-sur-Seine, comprising two 1300-MW reactor units, is one of the Group s power generation facilities. For more than 20 years, its employees have worked day and night to generate 18 billion kwh every year, amounting to almost 4% of the electricity generated in France. The EDF group is involved in all energy sectors. Generation Transmission Distribution Marketing The EDF group in figures (figures in 2010) 37 159 000 65,2 630,4 million NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES billion TURNOVER terawatt/hours AVERAGE ANNUAL POWER GENERATION Trading
Nuclear fuel URANIUM, THE SOURCE OF NUCLEAR FUEL Nogent-sur-Seine Nuclear power plant is fuelled by uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive ore found in relative abundance in the earth s crust. Uranium has the distinction of comprising heavy atoms, which release heat when they are split: the splitting of uranium atoms (a phenomenon known as fission) is therefore the first step in the generation of nuclear energy. A CONTROLLED CHAIN REACTION Fission also releases alpha, beta and gamma rays, while also releasing neutrons that sustain the fission reaction and collide with the newly created nuclei: this is known as a chain reaction. Inside a nuclear reactor, fission is sustained and monitored by a series of mechanisms in order to obtain a continuous and predetermined amount of energy. Operating principles of a Pressurized water reactor (PWR) The chain reaction Neutron Neutron Fissile neutron Newly created nucleus In a Nuclear power plant, the splitting of uranium atoms is used to generate electricity. The reactor core, where the chain reaction takes place, contains a set of fuel assemblies. Each assembly is made up of 264 fuel rods, zirconium alloy tubes in which uranium-enriched pellets are stacked. Did you know? ONE GRAM OF URANIUM 235 RELEASES THE SAME AMOUNT OF ENERGY AS THAT RELEASED BY THE COMBUSTION OF 2.5 TONS OF COAL.
Nuclear power generation THREE INDEPENDENT CIRCUITS FORMING AN INSEPARABLE WHOLE 1 THE PRIMARY CIRCUIT Inside the reactor, nuclear fission produces large quantities of heat. Water heated to 320 C flows through the circuit, where it is pressurized in order to keep it liquid. The Nuclear power plant generates 18 billion kwh every year, which represents almost 4% of the electricity generated in France. 2 THE SECONDARY CIRCUIT The primary circuit heats the secondary circuit by means of a heat exchange mechanism. Inside the steam generator, water from the secondary circuit is converted into steam. This steam drives a turbine that is connected to a main generator, which in turn generates electricity. 1 Reactor vessel Pressurizer Steam generator 2 Turbine Generator Steam 3 THE COOLING CIRCUIT The water in this third circuit cools the secondary circuit through a condenser before being cooled itself in cooling towers. The plume of steam that can be seen above these towers accounts for less than 2% of the water used. < Condenser REACTOR BUILDING TURBINE HALL COOLING TOWER 3
Nuclear safety and radiation protection tion fleet and from the close international collaboration of nuclear operators. Inspections are continuously performed by EDF teams and by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ASN). A RELENTLESS REQUIREMENT Generating energy while continuing to remain competitive and completely safe is a key challenge for EDF. In order to achieve this, EDF applies the principle of nuclear safety so that the generation of electricity has no adverse effects on man or the environment. As is the case with all its other nuclear plants, Nogent-sur-Seine takes every step to prevent radioactive substances from affecting the outside world. These measures are incorporated into the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of the plant. CONSTANTLY STRIVING FOR PROGRESS Nuclear safety takes the form of an ongoing quest for progress in operational rigour, worker professionalism and the maintenance programmes developed at the Nogent-sur- Seine plant. In order to foster this safety culture, EDF draws on the experience gleaned from its standardized genera- WORKER RADIATION PROTECTION Radiation protection consists of all measures taken to protect all workers from the effects of radiation. Mandatory concrete measures are implemented to protect workers from the effects of radiation: plant design and the setting up of multiple barriers, strict compliance with European legislation, training provided to workers, medical supervision and radiological monitoring, protective measures taken on work sites, together with constant monitoring, independent inspections conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ASN). The nuclear policeman THE FRENCH NUCLEAR REGULATORY AUTHORITY (ASN) IS AN INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATIVE BODY THAT WAS CREATED THROUGH THE ENACTMENT OF LAW NO. 2006-686 ON NUCLEAR SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, PASSED ON 13 TH JUNE 2006. IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MONITORING OF ALL CIVIL NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES IN FRANCE. ON BEHALF OF THE STATE, IT MONITORS NUCLEAR SAFETY AND RADIATION PROTECTION IN ORDER TO PROTECT WORKERS, PATIENTS, THE PUBLIC AND THE ENVIRONMENT The three safety barriers Pressurizer Steam generator INES : International Nuclear Event Scale FROM RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES. IT IS ALSO A SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC. 1 ST BARRIER Fuel cladding Reactor vessel 2 ND BARRIER Closed primary circuit 3 RD BARRIER Containment structure The International nuclear event scale comprises seven levels that are used to rate the severity of incidents or accidents occurring on a nuclear facility. DeviationINCIDENT ACCIDENT Major accident Severe accident Accident placing the outside world at serious risk Accident not placing the outside world at serious risk Serious event Event Anomaly Not safety-significant
The workforce PROFESSIONALS WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK At Nogent-sur-Seine Nuclear power plant, a workforce comprising nearly 750 EDF employees works day and night to generate safe, clean and competitive electricity. They are the linchpins in the operation and safety of plant facilities. As such, they annually spend over 80000 hours in training. A carbon copy of the main control room, the simulator is just one of the training facilities available on each nuclear plant. In addition, programmes are set up to improve human performance. COMMITTED CONTRACT STAFF While remaining in control of its industrial and technical processes, EDF calls on contractors to perform most of the maintenance work carried out during scheduled outages. For more than 20 years, the high professional standards, mobility and specialized skills offered by these contractors have helped make a success of electrical power generation. Training, qualification, radiation protection, safety and medical supervision: every worker is required to meet the same nuclear and industrial safety expectations. Nearly 250 partners work all year round on the site and until 1 500 during unit outages. The Nogent-sur-Seine nuclear training academy Every year, the nuclear training academy receives thirty new employees. Its aim is to foster staff integration and to train new recruits over a three-month period in the requisite skills common to all nuclear specializations. Professional enhancement training continues with a second, 12 to 18 month specialization course at the plant, alongside experienced professionals. This enables EDF to sustain its diversity while also taking a proactive approach towards the renewal of staff skills.
Nuclear careers with a future EDF IS ALREADY PREPARING TO GRADUALLY RENEW THE SKILLS OF SOME 20 000 PROFESSIONALS WORKING WITHIN THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY. EACH YEAR, SEVERAL HUNDRED JOB OFFERS ARE POSTED, WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPRENTICESHIP PERIOD. JOB POSITIONS ARE NUMEROUS AND VARIED, CATERING FOR A RANGE OF CANDIDATES, FROM SCHOOL-LEAVING LEVEL TO ENGINEERING GRADUATES. Technician Operations, chemistry, testing, instrumentation and controls, maintenance, thermal maintenance, fuel logistics, risk prevention, design engineering, HGV maintenance, HGV operation. Work coordinator Projects, inspection, civil engineering. Work inspector Electrical maintenance, mechanical maintenance, testing. Engineer Electrical engineering and construction, systems engineering, mechanical engineering and construction, civil engineering. Main professional areas on a Nuclear power plant operations maintenance engineering nuclear safety & quality chemistry radiation protection, etc.
The environment A DAILY COMMITMENT ISO 14001 Certification THE NOGENT-SUR-SEINE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT REGULARLY CONTRIBUTES TO THE RENEWAL OF THE EDF GROUP S ISO 14001 ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATE, AN INTERNATIONAL SEAL OF APPROVAL THAT VALIDATES THE PROCESSES USED TO IDENTIFY AND REDUCE THE IMPACT OF PLANT OPERATIONS ON THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. As is the case with most industrial facilities, water is needed to operate the power plant at Nogent-sur-Seine, which also generates and discharges liquid and gaseous effluent. The limits of water consumption and effluents allowed are settled by an inter-departmental decree that is strictly respected by the Nuclear power plant. EDF keeps these discharges under control and limits their quantity by performing regular and rigorous radiological surveys, as well as by means of scientific treatment methods. Members of plant staff are specifically assigned to monitoring the environment. This entails: continuous checks to ensure that government regulations are complied with, environmental monitoring by taking regular measurements in the water, air, flora and fauna. CAREFUL WASTE MANAGEMENT EDF takes rigorous steps in order to manage the waste generated by its Nuclear power plants: this entails limiting quantities at the source, waste sorting and appropriate waste packaging. The Nogent-sur-Seine Nuclear power plant recycles nearly 80% of its conventional waste and regularly reduces the volume of its radioactive waste, which is managed and stored in sites approved by ANDRA (National Agency for the Management of Radioactive Waste). Did you know? THANKS TO EDF S NUCLEAR AND HYDROELECTRIC FLEETS, THE FRENCH POWER GENERATION INDUSTRY EMITS ONE-SIXTH THE AMOUNT OF GREENHOUSE GASES PER CAPITA THAN IN OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. Extending the life of Nuclear power plants beyond 40 years of operation THE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME SET IN PLACE BY EDF AIMS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF ITS NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS BEYOND 40 YEARS OF OPERATION. THE COMPANY TAKES FULL FINAN- CIAL AND TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DECOMMISSIO- NING OF ITS NUCLEAR PLANTS: EACH DECOMMISSIONING OPE- RATION IS SUBJECT TO A SPECIFIC DECOMMISSIONING ORDER, FOLLOWING THE OUTCOME OF A PUBLIC ENQUIRY.
Transparency and local involvement A REGIONAL PLAYER Nogent-sur-Seine Nuclear power plant plays an active role in the development of local activities and the local economy. Between 10 and 20 million Euros invested each year. Nearly 40 million Euros in annual taxes paid to the local authorities. Active support for local projects contributing to sustainable development through social, environmental, sporting and cultural partnerships. Public information centre Annual report AS REQUIRED BY THE LAW ON NUCLEAR SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, NOGENT-SUR-SEINE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ISSUES A COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF ITS TWO BASIC NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS (BNI NOS.129 & 130). THIS REPORT IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. KEEPING THE PUBLIC INFORMED ON A REGULAR BASIS The plant communicates with the Local Information Commission on a regular basis. Comprising more than 50 members, this commission gathers elected representatives, associations and socioeconomic players in the region. The plant website and a monthly newsletter inform the media and locally elected representatives of plant highlights and environmental performance. The information centre is open to the general public at the site entrance. Covering an area of more than 400 square metres, its exhibition space offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the different sources of power generation in France, and about the various jobs performed by the personnel at Nogent-sur-Seine Nuclear power plant.
The future of nuclear power EDF, A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE REVIVAL OF THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY EDF has resolved to strengthen its position as European leader in renewable energies across the board, while also commissioning new generations of nuclear reactors, constantly enhancing their competitiveness and environmental soundness. TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE EDF s plans to renew its nuclear fleet have taken a decisive step forward with the start of construction on the first EPR* units. EDF is also an industrial leader when it comes to capturing new international markets. Ten countries are also working together to design and develop a fourth generation of nuclear facilities, engineered to improve economic and safety performance, as well as to support sustainable development. * European Pressurized Reactor Exploring the possibilities of nuclear fusion In 2005, five countries teamed up with the European Union to set up an ITER* research centre in France. Its goal? To replicate the fusion of hydrogen atoms, which generate heat and sunlight by natural means. * International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Cross-sectional view of the Tokamak reactor, capable of creating the conditions required for nuclear fusion.
Learn more about Nogent-sur-Seine Nuclear power plant Toll-free number For information about power generation status at Nogentsur-Seine: Available websites To consult news and publications about the plant, log on http://nogent.edf.com To consult job offers and internships opportunities in the plant, log on www.edfrecrute.com Paris A77 A5 A4 Reims Châlons-en-Champagne Esternay Sézanne Melun Provins Romilly-sur-Seine Fontainebleau Montereau-Fault-Yonne Nogent-sur-Seine Sens Troyes A26 A5 A4 Public information centre Visit the public information centre to learn about electrical energy, its physical phenomena, the different sources of power generation, plant operations and the range of career choices. Telephone: 03 25 25 65 65 Email: cip-nogent@edf.fr CONNEXITÉS: 02 38 55 32 70 - A.Noirclerc - Photo credits: Médiathèque EDF, CNPE de Nogent - Décembre 2011 Production and Engineering Division Nuclear power plant of Nogent-sur-Seine BP 62-10401 Nogent-sur-Seine cedex Tel.: 03 25 25 60 60 EDF SA shareholders equity of 930 406 055 Euros - 552081317 RCS Paris www.edf.com