How AREVA Perceives the Fukushima Disaster
The Vertiginous Cynicism of AREVA
April 9, 2011
The network Sortir du Nucléaire has obtained an internal document circulated within the AREVA group, which is only concerned about the impact the Fukushima event could have on "the nuclear market".
****This document, in English (can someone provide us with a French translation?)
Title:
The Impact of the Fukushima Event on the Nuclear Industry Sector
FRENCH TRANSLATION OF EXCERPTS FROM THIS INTERNAL AREVA DOCUMENT:
Page 4:
Main expected effects of the Fukushima event on the nuclear power sector * Most countries engaged in nuclear energy or in construction programs have had rather rational reactions following the Fukushima event - Nuclear energy is necessary - They are not riding on an emotional wave - Lessons must be drawn from the Japanese crisis * Most countries have announced safety reviews of their existing nuclear facilities:
- For fourteen European countries, these reviews will include audits * Some countries have already announced that they will review their safety standards * Only Germany immediately announced stricter measures regarding its facilities (temporary shutdown of the seven oldest plants, a three-month moratorium on extending their lifespan).
New constructions – particularly those with the closest commercial operation dates – could be postponed to take into account revised safety standards and licensing procedures.
However, it is not a question – outside of Japan – of canceling any construction program or stopping ongoing constructions.
EXCERPTS FROM THE ORIGINAL INTERNAL AREVA DOCUMENT, Page 4:
Main potential impacts of the Fukushima event on the nuclear power sector * Most countries with a nuclear installed base and/or a New Build program have had pretty rational reactions following the Fukushima event - Nuclear energy is necessary - Do not surf on the wave of emotion - Lessons have to be learned from the Japanese crisis * Most countries announced safety reviews on their existing NPPs :
- For 14 European countries, those reviews will include check-ups * A few countries have also already announced that they will review their safety standards * Only Germany directly announced more stringent measures regarding its installed base (temporary shut-down of 7 oldest plants, 3-month moratorium on lifetime extension) * New Builds – especially the ones with the closest CODs – may be delayed in order to integrate amended safety standards / licensing process * However there is no question – outside of Japan – to cancel New Build programs or stop current constructions