Innovation Continues: The Nuclear Future

Contemporary French nuclear innovation focuses on several frontiers. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), championed by start-up Naarea, promise easier deployment and novel applications. The ASTRID fast neutron reactor project, though suspended, advanced technologies for burning nuclear waste. Fusion research at Cadarache, hosting the international ITER project, positions France at the forefront of potentially transformative technology.

Digital transformation offers new possibilities. EDF develops "digital twins" of reactors, enabling predictive maintenance and optimization. Artificial intelligence analyzes vast operational data to identify patterns humans might miss. Drone inspections and robotic maintenance reduce worker radiation exposure while improving reliability.

The workforce evolution continues with increased diversity. Women now comprise about 20% of French nuclear engineers, up from near zero in the 1970s. Leaders like Laurence Piketty at EDF and Isabelle Jouette at the Nuclear Safety Authority bring fresh perspectives. International recruitment, particularly from French-speaking Africa, addresses skill shortages while building global partnerships.