Visible in the surrounding villages with its thick steam. I'm sure you've wondered, at least once, about the workings and history of the Chooz nuclear power plant . In this article, I'll explain how it works and its history.
How does a nuclear power plant work?
A nuclear power plant produces electricity using the energy released by the fission of atoms . Here are the main steps to understand how it works :
1. Nuclear fission
At the heart of the power plant, in the reactor, a fuel is used, usually uranium or plutonium. The atoms of this fuel are "split" (fission) when they are bombarded by neutrons. This reaction releases an enormous amount of heat and additional neutrons that trigger further fissions in a chain reaction.
2. Heat production
The heat generated by fission is used to heat water in the reactor. This water reaches very high temperatures, often under pressure to prevent it from evaporating too quickly.
3. Steam production
Hot water passes through a heat exchanger (or steam generator), where it transforms other water into steam. This steam is essential for generating electricity.
4. The turbine
High-pressure steam is sent to a turbine. As it passes through the turbine blades, it causes them to spin rapidly, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy.
5. The electric generator
The turbine is connected to an electric generator. When the turbine rotates, it drives the generator, which produces electricity by moving the coils in a magnetic field.
6. The recooling
After the turbine spins, the steam is cooled and becomes liquid (water) again. This is often done using a cooling tower or a nearby stream. The cooled water then returns to the circuit for reuse.
7. Waste management
The fuel used eventually depletes after several years and becomes radioactive waste. This waste is stored in secure, monitored locations for decades to avoid any danger to the environment and populations.
In short, a nuclear power plant transforms the energy contained in atoms into heat, then into steam, before producing electricity using a turbine and a generator. It's a complex but effective technology for producing a lot of energy!
The history of the Chooz nuclear power plant
Located in Chooz on the banks of the Meuse, the nuclear power plant is situated between the city of Charleville-Mézières (France) and the city of Dinant (Belgium) . Occupying an area of two hundred hectares in the heart of the Regional Natural Park , the site is divided into two power plants: Chooz A and Chooz B.
Chooz A
In 1960, the Franco-Belgian energy company of the Ardennes consisting ofEDF and several Belgian electricity companies collaborate to build the first reactor in Chooz, an pressurized water reactor (REP), this will be located at 150 meters underground. This REP reactor based on the American model de Shippingport and Yankee Rowe is the first to be put into service in France.
It has been 58 years since the first reactor was put into service on April 3, 1967.
Problems arose over the years, and as the plant aged and became unprofitable , decommissioning was considered. However, EDF first waited for radioactivity levels to decrease. It was then, in 2001, that decommissioning began in order to avoid passing this problem on to future generations.
Several steps are required to dismantle the main primary circuit of Chooz A. Since 2010, Onet Technologiques operators and subcontractors have been involved in these steps. The final step, which began in 2017, involves dismantling the reactor vessel . This step is time-consuming and will be completed in 2026 because it was not included in the initial design and construction.
Chooz B
Chooz B took 12 years to build , partly due to anti-nuclear movements. Chooz B1 has therefore been in operation since 1996 and Chooz B2 since 1997.
Chooz B includes two pressurized water reactors of French design. Each one, being part of the "Level N4", precursor of the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) project.
En end of 2016, EDF invests two billion euros to make future, which allows the power plant to live another 60 years.
The reactors have experienced some problems in recent years. In 2020, the low flow rate of the Meuse River forced EDF to shut down production at both reactors for over a month, illustrating the challenges associated with climate change. And in 2021, stress corrosion problems were detected, requiring the reactors to be shut down and dozens of meters of piping to be replaced. They were put back into operation in April and May 2023.
Current activities
The power plant currently has two 1,450 MWe pressurized water reactors in operation . This is a major asset for the region's electricity production.
Today, the nuclear power plant employs 1187 people , and since 2022, they have also had 67 apprentices and 51 interns. They are committed to training young people and are the largest employer in the department . The jobs are in fields such as safety, operations, maintenance, engineering, and the environment.
At the nuclear power plant, you can visit the Public Information Center. They welcome you free of charge and without an appointment to introduce you to nuclear energy.
He's open :
Outside school periods: only on Wednesdays from 13:30 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
During French and Belgian school holidays: Monday to Friday from 13:30 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Closed on weekends.
La visit the themed areas, with an area of 300m², includes stands sure :
– the different means of electricity production
- the nuclear fission reaction and the manufacturing process uranium pellets
- the radioactivity
- the controlled area and the nuclear safety
– controls in the environment
- the waste
– the power station Chooz A in deconstruction and its model
– the power station Chooz B in operation, its model of the reactor building and a full-size fuel assembly
– The movies “It’s not rocket science!” filmed in Chooz: the operating principle of a power plant, the energy mix and waste.
– The power plant's public information center also has a fun and educational escape game on the energy theme accessible from 8 years old.
Benefits for the territory and residents
The Chooz nuclear power plant brings many benefits to the inhabitants of the village as well as to the department.
Initially, the power plant has a economic impact et job in the department. She is one of the leading employers with 1187 employees, 67 apprentices and 51 traineesThey are committed to training young people and are the department's leading employers.
Au economic level thanks to their contracts with other local companies, 1,7 million euros were invested. It also contributes to the local taxation with 75 million et 9 million for taxe foncière.
The power plant also provides energy for the Grand Est region. It contributes 30% of the region's electricity needs and 5% of France's annual production . This electricity is both a stable energy source and a low-CO2 emission source.
This information underlines the importance of the Chooz nuclear power plant not only as an energy source , but also as a major economic player and contributor to local development.
Environmental impact
The environment is a major commitment for EDF. Since nuclear power is the largest source of electricity production, we can ask ourselves if this resource is good for the environment?
Yes indeed! It is an essential asset for the decarbonization of the energy mix and this helps to fight against global warming.
The EDF group took into account all the potential consequences of the power plant during its design.
To ensure compliance with the measures put in place, around thirty employees work continuously.
This is a environmental monitoring device et annual studies on ecological and hydrobiological radioThe importance of this continuous environmental monitoring became clear when, in February 2024, problems appeared at the plant's treatment plant.
The Chooz nuclear power plant is also committed to preserving biodiversity . Ardennes red sheep, Bleu du Maine sheep, Suffolk sheep, and Highland cattle have been introduced to the site for an eco-grazing project . A nesting box for peregrine falcons has been installed on one of the cooling towers. Eco-grazing helps maintain endangered species and offers a solution to the problem of wild boar overpopulation.
In conclusion , a nuclear power plant does not necessarily mean pollution and environmental degradation . The team managing the Chooz power plant takes the issue of biodiversity very seriously , actively participating in conventions and working groups to take concrete action.
Are you curious to learn more about nuclear energy and the Chooz power plant? Then don't wait any longer to dive into the captivating world of nuclear energy and visit the Public Information Center!
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