Cattenom Nuclear Plant Simulates Extreme Crisis to Test Emergency Readiness

The Cattenom nuclear power plant in Moselle is running a large-scale safety exercise this week, preparing for scenarios that, while unlikely, could have catastrophic consequences if they ever occurred.

The drill involves the Nuclear Rapid Action Force (FARN), a specialised EDF unit established in 2011 after the Fukushima disaster in Japan. The FARN serves as a last line of defence, stepping in only if a plant’s normal systems, backup measures, and final safeguards all fail. “It intervenes as the ultimate emergency to guarantee the cooling of the fuel and avoid a radioactive impact on the population and the environment,” explained Jérome Le Saint, director of the Cattenom facility.

Simulating the worst-case
This week’s exercise imagines a strong earthquake that disables both the plant’s normal and emergency systems, while also cutting off road access to the site. In such a situation, FARN would deploy barges to transport reactor operators, water, and even fuel to power the emergency diesel generators—ensuring that cooling systems remain operational.

Luxembourg authorities were also involved in the simulation, receiving a preview presentation. Given the plant’s proximity to the Grand Duchy, Luxembourg would be immediately informed in case of an actual emergency.

Lessons from Fukushima
The creation of FARN was one of several measures introduced after the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011, which exposed vulnerabilities in nuclear safety systems worldwide. Since then, French power plants have reinforced their protections against earthquakes and floods, secured water and electricity supply systems, and improved crisis response protocols.

Although FARN has never been deployed in a real emergency on French soil, EDF stresses that constant training is essential. “We hope never to have to work with them,” said Le Saint, “but we must be prepared to coordinate if the unthinkable happens.”

By testing extreme crisis management under realistic conditions, the Cattenom power plant aims to strengthen its resilience and reassure neighbouring regions, where concerns about nuclear safety remain strong.

Read More : Centrale de Cattenom: Prépare des scénarios extrêmes pour garantir la sûreté nucléaire - L'essentiel
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