Visible in the surrounding villages with its thick steam. I'm sure you've already wondered, at least once, about the operation and history of the Chooz nuclear power plant. In this article, I will then explain to you its operation et his history.
How does a nuclear power plant work?
A nuclear plant product of electricity thanks to the energy released by the splitting of atoms. here are the main steps to understand its operation :
1. Nuclear fission
At the heart of the power plant, in the reactor, fuel is used, usually uranium or plutonium. The atoms in this fuel are "broken" (fissioned) when bombarded by neutrons. This reaction releases a huge amount of heat and additional neutrons, which trigger further fission chains.
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
Situated at chooz on the banks of the Meuse, the nuclear power plant is located between the town of Charleville-Mézières (France) and the city of Dinant (Belgium). Occupying an area of two hundred hectares in the heart of Regional Natural Park, the site is divided into two power stations: 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, 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 the plant was aging et unprofitable, dismantling is being considered. However, EDF first waits for the radioactivity to decrease. It was then that, in 2001, dismantling was launched in order to avoid this problem for future generations.
Several steps are required for the dismantling of the main primary circuit of Chooz A. Since 2010, Onet Technological operators and subcontractors have been involved in these stages. The final stage began in 2017, this is the dismantling of the reactor vesselThis step takes time, it will end in 2026, because it was not integrated into the initial design and construction.
Chooz B
Chooz B put 12 years to be built, partly because of anti-nuclear movements. Chooz B1 is therefore in the operating phase since 1996 et Chooz B2 for 1997.
Chooz B includes two pressurized water reactors of French design. Each one, being part of the “N4 level”, 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
In the power station two reactors à pressurized water of 1 MWe are in currently walking. It's a major asset for electricity production in the region.
Today, the nuclear power plant employs 1187 employees, moreover they count 67 apprentices and 51 trainees since 2022. They are committed to training young people and are the the department's leading employers. The jobs are in areas such assafety, operation, maintenance, engineering, 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 manufacturing process uranium pellets
- the radioactivity
- the controlled area and 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
La nuclear plant de Chooz brings many benefits for the inhabitants of village as well as for 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 brings a energy production for the Grand-Est region. It contributes to 30% needs in regional electricity et 5% of the annual production in France. This electricity is both a stable energy source and low CO2 emission source.
This information highlights theimportance of the Chooz nuclear power plant not only as energy source, but also as 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 may ask ourselves whether this resource is good for the environment?
Well yes! It is a essential asset for decarbonization of the energy mix and this allows to fight against global warming.
Le 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 preserve biodiversity, Ardennes red, Maine blue and Suffolk sheep and Highland cows were brought to the site for a eco-grazing project. A nest box for the peregrine falcons was put on a cooling towers. Eco-grazing allows the maintenance of endangered species and offers a solution to the problem of wild boar overpopulation.
En conclusion, a nuclear power plant does not want not necessarily mean pollution and degradation of natureThe team managing the Chooz power plant takes the issue of biodiversity getting involved and actively engaging 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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