National debate about the EPR

With the perspective of a debate in autumn 2005 about the construction of a European Pressurized reactor (EPR) at Flamanville (Manche, France), a collective book of actors is under preparation under the care of the French national commission of public debate. As actor of this debate, the French society of nuclear energy (SFEN) gives its contribution to this book in the form of general presentation text summarizing its position with respect to the project. The main topics presented are: the need of a renewal of part of the French nuclear park, the exploitation of a preliminary model in French conditions, the maintenance of the capacities of the French nuclear industry and of the know-how of its teams, the supply of electric power to France for about 60 years, and the demonstration of the French authority in the nuclear domain. (J.S.)