In this article, we look back at the importance of bringing together the French civil and military nuclear industries , a theme that emerged at the 8th Nuclear Valley, in which our experts took part.
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Study of the civil nuclear sector as part of the New French Nuclear Program (PNNF)
100% of the skills needed for a nuclear reactor are found in the propulsion of an SSBN (...) except for the concrete.
The study of the civil nuclear sector as part of the New French Nuclear Program (PNNF), carried out by Accenture in 2023 at the request of the public authorities, reported that manufacturers had been preparing for several years (Rank 1).
While the latter were aware of the strategic importance of the PNNF and were able to invest their own funds, they were nonetheless concerned about the sustainability of demand and the fragile return to favor of nuclear energy among the general public (and, by extension, among political decision-makers).
For their part, Rank 2+ suppliers reported a lack of visibility on PNNF requirements, and the impossibility - for 40% of them - of making reliable production rate assumptions, particularly for ETIs and SMEs producing Components & Equipment, and even more so for foundries and forges.
Among the recommendations for the success of the PNNF, the study emphasized the following needs:
- Study the implementation of an industry-wide innovation management system
- Expand industry-wide support for manufacturers in their drive for operational excellence
- Provide long-term visibility and continuity for nuclear program commitments
The civil sector would benefit from drawing inspiration from best practices in the nuclear propulsion reactor value chain.
- Interchangeability of parts
- Standardization of maintenance operations, verification and machining protocols
- Enhanced, detailed visibility on order prospects for decades to come
- etc...
The key issues, which are better exploited in the manufacture of nuclear reactors for military use than for civil use, are repeatability and the MOE vs MOA dialogue.
As far as repeatability is concerned, series production of submarine propulsion reactors (which don't come singly) is a success factor for Naval Group, which can learn from one iteration for the next - just as civil nuclear power must do for EPRs in pairs.
With regard to the dialogue between MOE and OA, some Nuclear Valley 2024 participants highlighted the need to develop - within the EDF MOA - a distinct entity capable of questioning the steps taken by the MOE and creating a competitive dialectic. Since EDF has no customers, only users, "creating" one could prove to be a source of gains.
Mr. Guillou raised an additional idea for initiating and steering this hypothetical rapprochement: the creation of a BITN, inspired by the existing BITD (defense industrial and technological base) - which is itself sometimes referred to as a "sovereignty industry".
Isn't the long-term future of the nuclear industry, both civil and military, a key element of French sovereignty?
The 12 occupations most in demand in these programs are the same for both civil and defense nuclear power.
We're putting our finger on the recruitment battle that the two sectors are waging to bolster their teams.
However, above all, it means that France's new nuclear power plant must make efforts to improve its attractiveness - something that has already begun with the opening in September 2024 of HEFAÏS (la Haute Ecole de Formation Soudage) in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
Four key industrial players are behind the creation of this school (EDF, Naval Group, Orano and CMN), demonstrating their ability to work together for a mutually beneficial dynamic, as well as their commitment to the future of new nuclear power.
Among the findings of Jean-Martin Folz's highly cited report on the construction of Flamanville 3, the theme of the deterioration in know-how in France's civil nuclear industry, due to a lack of programs over the past twenty years (Construction, Maintenance and Decommissioning), is very present.
Wouldn't it be a good idea to draw lessons from this and look into bringing together France's civil and military nuclear industries, as well as their detailed, up-to-date management and networking, right down to Tier 3 suppliers?
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