1. Site selection

In France, the design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants are governed by a very strict regulatory framework, based both on ordinary law and on provisions specific to this type of facility. Foremost among the latter are the Fundamental Safety Rules (RFS), which in part govern the technical characteristics of host sites and define the main selection criteria in terms of nuclear safety.

In addition to these specific parameters, which also comply with the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the selection process takes into account a large number of other considerations, relating to site development and access conditions, as well as the impact of projects on their natural and socio-economic environment.

These latter aspects are not specific to nuclear energy, and the corresponding criteria will be...