The EDF Group has chosen Veolia’s technology in partnership with REEL, to design, manufacture and install mobile units for treating contaminated water in the event of a nuclear accident. This additional resource would significantly limit the environmental impact by treating the primary cooling water stored in the reactor building tanks on site, in the event of a pipe rupture.
The new system is part of safety modifications put in place by EDF to raise the safety level of its 900 MWe reactors up to EPR’s levels.
This patented technology has been specially adapted for the French nuclear fleet and is far easier to install thanks to the combined industrial know-how of Veolia and REEL, a company specialising in the design and manufacture of special equipment for the nuclear industry.
World’s leading water technology company, Veolia, has developed an innovative, adaptable and mobile solution. This pioneering water decontamination system, comprising a system of interchangeable cartridges (filtration and adsorption) operating in closed-loop recirculation with the reactor building, is housed in a set of mobile units.
Jean-François Nogrette, Executive Vice President, France & Special Waste Europe, said: “With our worldwide expertise in cutting-edge water treatment technologies, Veolia is proud to support EDF in developing and enhancing the nuclear power generation industry, which also helps to strengthen France's energy sovereignty. We are delighted with this latest milestone in our successful cooperation with EDF, which follows on from the creation of Graphitech in 2019 and Waste2Glass in 2021.”
Cédric Lewandowski, Group Senior Executive Vice-President, Nuclear and Thermal, declared: “EDF's nuclear fleet has chosen the world’s expert in water treatment and dangerous waste for its proven technology which meets the demanding requirements of the nuclear industry. This new cooperation between two French groups, leaders in their respective fields, highlights the high level of performance of the French industry in leading-edge sectors.”