Paris (France) (AFP) – The government authorized in a decree published on Sunday in the Official Journal the complete dismantling by EDF of the former Fessenheim nuclear power plant (Haut-Rhin), in particular its most sensitive parts such as the reactors, setting the terms and the timetable.

Published on: 03/05/2026 - 11:23

This decree dated May 1, signed by the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Economy and the Minister Delegate in charge of Energy, marks a decisive step in the reconversion of this site closed in 2020, after several years dedicated to the removal of fuel and preparatory operations.

Its aim is to “prescribe dismantling operations to the company Électrcité de France, define the stages and authorize the creation of the equipment necessary for dismantling”.

In article 4, it is specified that "the dismantling operations (...) concern the entire installation" including the "nuclear island" including in particular "the reactor building of unit 1 and the reactor building of unit 2".

The conventional island, which notably includes the pumping station, the storage buildings for used steam generators and sludge and the effluent storage tanks, will also be dismantled.

The operation will take place in 4 stages, with the actual dismantling then the sanitation of structures and soils, the demolition of "buildings to a depth of at least one meter" and finally the rehabilitation of the site.

Discharges of gaseous, liquid and radioactive effluents, in particular during "draining of the swimming pools of reactor buildings and fuel buildings" will be "subject to control", indicates article 8.

“The dismantling operations (...) are completed no later than June 30, 2048,” it is specified.

This decree comes after a “favorable” opinion from the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) issued on January 29, 2026, a copy of which AFP obtained.

EDF plans to create near the Fessenheim site, by reusing buildings annexed to the power plant, a recycling plant for low-radioactive metals whose opening is planned for 2031, reviving tensions and concerns in the region.

© 2026 AFP

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