92002E2891

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2891/02

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(14 October 2002)

Subject: Problems with the High Flux Reactor in Petten

The Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG) manages the High Flux Reactor in Petten, which belongs to the Commission's Joint Research Centre.

On 26 September 2002, the TV programme Reporter revealed on the basis of documents from the plant itself that a larger or smaller leak in the cooling system could deprive the reactor core of cooling water and possibly cause it to melt (the possibility cannot be absolutely excluded).

In the 1980s, the Veldman scenario (a break in the cooling-water pipes) was developed. This scenario was analysed in detail by a working party including former operator Veldman. The NRG considers it extremely unlikely that this scenario would actually arise and says that, although the possible consequences would be serious, the surrounding area would be unaffected.

The reactor should be thoroughly examined while not operating, in order to identify any possible safety problems.

State Secretary Van Geel (Environment) is allowing much uncertainty to persist regarding this issue. His letter to the Lower House of Parliament does indicate that the government has never ordered a serious and thorough investigation of the possibility that the reactor core might be deprived of cooling water (in view of the international practice then prevailing, whereby research reactors were not subjected to this type of analysis). It is not clear on what Van Geel bases the opinion of his Nuclear Energy Service that in the event of a break there would not be any risk of an explosion.

Does the Commission agree that the safety of nuclear installations should always be beyond doubt?

Does the Commission agree that, as a precaution, the High Flux Reactor in Petten should temporarily cease to operate until the reactor's serious safety problems have been solved?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2002)

The Commission is of the opinion that effective arrangements against potential radiological hazards need to be established and maintained in nuclear installations in order to protect individuals, society and the environment from harmful effects of ionising radiation from such installations.

The safety of the high flux reactor (HFR) is ensured by operating the reactor in compliance with the relevant safety rules and regulations under the supervision and control of the competent national safety authorities. In agreement with the safety authorities, a number of postulated accidental scenarios involving major and minor coolant leaks including breaks in the cooling water pipes are currently under analysis. The Commission, in full agreement with the national safety authorities, considers that the postulated scenarios do not represent a hazard that would require the HFR to cease to operate.