Autorité de sûreté nucléaire et de radioprotection
The Autorité de sûreté nucléaire et de radioprotection is a French independent administrative authority whose mission is the control of nuclear safety and radiological protection in France. It was created January 1, 2025, via the contested merger of the Autorité de [sûreté nucléaire] and the Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire. Pierre-Marie Abadie was the first president.
History
The merger of the ASN and the IRSN was announced in February 2023 in a context of nuclear renaissance in France and was the subject of strong opposition, marked notably by the opposition of three previous presidents of the Office parlementaire d'évaluation des choix scientifiques et technologiques and employees of IRSN, a vote of the National Assembly sanctifying the "dual organization" between ASN and IRSN, and an unfavorable opinion of the Social and Economics Committee of IRSN in December 2024.The law creating the ASNR was adopted May 20, 2024 and entered into effect January 1, 2025. Pierre-Marie Abadie, president of ASN in November and December 2024, was selected as the first president for a duration of six years.
Missions
The ASNR assures the surveillance and verification of civil nuclear activities in France. It also carries out activities pertaining to research, expert guidance, training, and public information in the areas of nuclear safety and radiation protection.Governance
The ASNR is directed by a board of five commissioners.The duration of service is fixed by law at six years, and members cannot serve a second term. The commissioners are required to be impartial and cannot be instructed by the government or any other person or institution. Commissioners serve full-time and cannot be dismissed. Three, including the president of ASNR, are appointed by the president of France, one by the president of the National Assembly, and one by the president of the Senate.
Presidency
- Pierre-Marie Abadie