France approves dismantling of nuclear plant near German border

The French government has approved the start of dismantling work at the decommissioned Fessenheim nuclear power plant, located near the border with Germany.

According to dpa, the decree authorising the state energy company EDF to begin the process has been published in the official gazette.

EDF said preparations for the dismantling have been completed and work will begin shortly. The decommissioning process is expected to take place in four stages.

The plant, located near Freiburg, ceased operations in 2020 after 42 years of service. The removal of all nuclear fuel was completed in 2022.

The first phase will involve dismantling part of the equipment in the first reactor and spent fuel storage facilities. A facility for processing low-level radioactive metal is also planned on the site, with an estimated cost of around €450 million.

Despite the closure, France continues to pursue nuclear energy development, including plans for new reactors and extending the lifespan of existing ones.

By Vugar Khalilov