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Atoms for the Future 2010
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The « Atoms for the Future » Event, organized by the French Nuclear Energy Society (SFEN) Young Generation, was held October 11th – 15th, 2010 in Paris. The general topic was the development of reactors.
Based on the lessons learned from the previous organization of « Boreal Nights », we have decided this year to restructure the event in order to widely open the event to the participation of students and foreign young professionals. Therefore, we have been delighted to meet young participants coming from Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Italia, Czech Republic and United-Kingdom.
The first day was dedicated to the visit of AREVA facilities in Saint Marcel and Le Creusot. The 60 participants had the unique opportunity to visit the Creusot Forge, Chalon Saint Marcel plant, the CETIC and the CEDEM. This marathon day enables everyone to have a broad overview of the reactor main components manufacturing techniques, from the ingot to the final equipment, controlled, packaged and ready to be delivered to the customer.
The highlight of the visit was certainly the forging of a steam generator shell. The impressive size of these components and associated tools has been a unique and passionate experience for the visitors.
In Chalon Saint Marcel Plant :
The second day was devoted to the visit of the CEA Saclay research centre. After a presentation of the various research activities performed by the CEA and its Saclay centre, a lecture on nuclear reactors simulation and calculation codes specifically developed by the CEA was given. Then, the participants had the chance to visit OSIRIS and ORPHEE research reactors.
Visiting OSIRIS Reactor at the CEA Saclay :
Concerning ORPHEE Reactor, visitors discovered how neutrons beams are produced and how they are used to meet the needs of solid state materials fundamental research, as well as industrial applications such as neutron graphy for space application techniques. Concerning OSIRIS experimental Reactor, visitors learned what kinds of material irradiation experiences are performed with this tool in order to support the nuclear industry needs and also to produce medical radioisotopes.
For the third day, we went to Belgium to visit Tihange-2 Nuclear Power Plant operated by Electrabel, group GDF SUEZ. We had a very interested visit of their simulator and their mock-up used to train the operators, as well as the machine sets of the plant. This visit enabled the visitors to learn more on the experience GDF SUEZ has as a nuclear operator and the means implemented in Tihange to increase permanently the high safety level of the facilities.
Last, it was a nice opportunity to meet our peers from the Belgian Nuclear Society Young Generation and to strengthen the links between our societies.
Participants in front of Tihange Nuclear Power Plant :
The last two days of the event were dedicated to conferences that took place at the ENSTA Engineering School in Paris. More than 120 people gathered to listen renowned speakers from AREVA, CEA, EDF, GDF SUEZ, SFEN but also from OECD, IAEA, ASN, WANO, Natixis, Paris Dauphine University and the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Sea – Energy and Climate General Direction. The opening session has been chaired by Mr. Luc Oursel, member of AREVA Executive Committee and vice President of the SFEN.
Luc Oursel, at the opening of the symposium :
The first day of conferences was organized to give an overview of reactor generations : the precursors, those currently in operation, those under construction and finally those we imagine for future generations. After this first day of technical presentation and discussions, a diner has been proposed to each participant. It was a very good opportunity to pursue discussions and build up relations in a friendly atmosphere.
The second day of conferences was arranged to focus on more transverse issues such as reactor licensing and financing issues, the economic interest of nuclear energy or the geopolitics aspects of nuclear development worldwide tackled through two panel discussions. The conferences and debates have been followed by many questions and answers which have been very appreciated by the speakers and the attendees. For a first of a kind event (of what, we wish, will become a long series !), we are glad that it met such a large success.
Finally, and despite the public transportation strikes, the organization was pretty smooth and the positive feedback from the participants and the speakers make us confident for next editions of Atoms for the Future. SFEN JG wishes to thank its main contributors to the success of this event : AREVA, Chimie ParisTech, ENSTA ParisTech, the CEA, GDF SUEZ and SFEN. We would also like to thank Olivier Theallier, Martine Vaudon, Catherine Michaudet, Lionel Sibille, Jean-Jacques Pleyers, Franck Carre, Bertrand Reynier and Patricia Hamel-Bloch without who the organization of this symposium would never had been possible.
Last, thanks a lot to the speakers for the high quality of their conference. Finally, it is with great pleasure that we are looking forward to see you for next year edition of Atoms for the future !
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