Après l’accident de Fukushima en 2011, a créé la Force d’Action Rapide Nucléaire (FARN) [1], un dispositif unique au monde destiné à renforcer la sûreté en cas d’accident grave sur une centrale nucléaire du Groupe EDF.
Following the Fukushima accident in 2011, EDF [2] created the Nuclear Rapid Response Force (FARN) [1], a unique system designed to enhance safety in the event of a serious accident at an EDF Group nuclear power plant.
A specialised response force
The FARN comprises 300 team members from various technical departments within EDF, capable of responding within 24 hours to any of France’s 57 nuclear reactors [3]. These teams have dedicated equipment (pumps, generators, compressors, autonomous telecommunications equipment, high-traction vehicles, etc.) and specific training in nuclear safety and crisis management.
It consists of a reconnaissance team based in Saint Denis and four regional departments (Civaux, Paluel, Dampierre, Bugey) that can provide support to any of France’s nuclear power plants. Its strength lies in its ability to deploy quickly at short notice, its logistical and material autonomy, and the rigorous and constant training of its team members. The FARN is an essential link in the nuclear crisis management system, as its objective is to support safety functions in addition to the crisis response capabilities of the power plants.
AirTelis and GIE Intra: essential and complementary partners
Created in response to the lessons learned from the Chernobyl nuclear accident, the Groupe d’INTervention Robotique sur Accidents (INTRA) [4]operates a fleet of remotely operated robotic vehicles. Its mission is to intervene 24 hours a day, in place of humans, in the event of a major nuclear accident at the facilities of its three member companies: EDF, CEA and Orano. It works alongside FARN to carry out various missions: radiological mapping, aerial surveillance or reconnaissance using drones, valve operation using robots, etc.
AIRTELIS [5] is a subsidiary of RTE that carries out aerial work focused on the installation and maintenance of high-voltage power lines in difficult or rugged terrain. As part of its collaboration with FARN, Airtelis is responsible for transporting crew members and equipment (e.g. generators, fuel tanks, etc.) by helicopter when normal access routes to the nuclear power plant are impassable or difficult to access.
Conclusion
The FARN illustrates EDF’s ability to learn from past accidents and innovate in the field of nuclear safety. This system, which has been operational since 2014, is now internationally recognised and is part of France’s commitment to maintaining a safe and resilient nuclear industry.