Électricité de France (EDF), the French energy giant, has unveiled a plan to recycle low-level radioactive waste from closed nuclear facilities. This proposal suggests converting nuclear waste into everyday household items such as doorknobs, forks, and saucepans, sparking both interest and concern across the nation.
EDF’s plan draws inspiration from similar nuclear waste recycling projects in Germany and Denmark. If approved, the project would focus on transforming radioactive leftovers from the closed Fessenheim nuclear plant into various metal products. Laurent Jarry, former director of the Fessenheim facility, explained that this ambitious initiative could process around 500,000 tonnes of low-level radioactive metals over the next 40 years.
The proposed recycling facility, expected to span 15 hectares, would handle materials like rubble, soil, and scrap metal generated from dismantling nuclear sites or industries using naturally radioactive materials. According to energynews, EDF aims to offer a sustainable alternative to long-term storage of nuclear waste by repurposing these materials under strict safety protocols.
However, EDF’s plan does not involve highly radioactive waste. Only low-level radioactive metals, which pose a minimal risk when processed correctly, would be recycled. The company emphasizes that safety measures would be stringent, ensuring safe handling and material utilization.
Despite the potential benefits, the project has sparked public outcry in France. Anti-nuclear campaigners argue that there is no “harmless threshold” for radioactive exposure, and even low-level radioactivity carries risks. As Euronews reported, critics are concerned that increased exposure to radiation, however small, may lead to health issues such as a higher risk of developing cancer.
The plan must undergo several stages of approval before it can move forward. These include a public vote scheduled for February 2025, environmental assessments, and an amendment to the French Public Health Act to allow the recycling of nuclear waste under strict guidelines.
France is one of the world’s largest producers of nuclear power, with 58 reactors generating 72% of its electricity. According to a 2018 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, France’s reliance on nuclear power produces vast amounts of radioactive waste, necessitating innovative solutions for waste management. The country’s spent fuel policy, supported by a standardized nuclear fleet and recycling practices, has reduced its radioactive waste burden significantly.
While nuclear waste recycling was prohibited in France until 2022, a ministerial decree has since allowed the recycling of low-level radioactive waste under specific conditions. EDF’s new proposal shows a step toward balancing innovation in waste management with public safety concerns.