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A politician in Alderney is once again calling for Channel Island consultation with France after the signing of a multi-million euro nuclear deal that has just been signed between La Hague and Japan; however, the States of Alderney have sought to reassure islanders that discussions are taking place.
La Hague is a nuclear waste site that currently holds 10,000 tonnes of waste.
Recently, Express reported on plans developed by Electricite de France (EDF) to build additional storage space at La Hague that could hold a further 6,500 tonnes of nuclear waste. This €1.25 billion expansion project could increase La Hague’s storage capacity by 65%.
Mr Snowdon has raised these concerns a second time, following French media reporting on a €250 million contract signed between Japan and La Hague that would see La Hague process 111 tonnes of Japanese nuclear waste.
“The deal highlights the vast sums of money involved dealing in with nuclear waste,” said Mr Snowdon.
“Countries appear to be waving their cheque books around as EDF and French government officials rush to sign them up and send nuclear rubbish to La Hague.
“President Emmanuel Macron stated recently that placing nuclear power will be at the heart of his country's drive for carbon neutrality by 2050. Therefore, with pressure now on so many countries to hit zero carbon targets, expansion plans are being fuelled at La Hague due to the guarantee of billions to be made from this growing sector.”
Mr Snowdon says it is vital that the islands are consulted with expansion plans, "so we fully understand risks and any impacts on the islands".
Pictured: “Consultation is standard practice, particularly with such a massive project planned to cost €1.25 billion adding 6,500 tonnes of nuclear processing to the existing site which can currently handle 10,000 tonnes," said Mr Snowdon.
Mr Snowdon said he understands that consultation about the project is being carried out by the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) in France, and despite his suggestion that the Channel Islands have been forgotten in the process, the States of Alderney are insistent that conversations are taking place.
They refuted his claims of no consultation: "Contrary to a recent media statement, the States of Alderney would like to reassure the public that information from the French Authorities regarding nuclear arrangements on the Cotentin Peninsula (including both the nuclear reprocessing plant at Orano La Hague and the nuclear power plant at Flamanville) are routinely provided to the islands."
Pictured: La Hague is a nuclear processing plant that can currently store 10,000 tonnes of nuclear waste.
Mr Snowdon thinks consultation is essential to make sure the Channel Islands are aware of the risks and impacts associated with increasing nuclear storage.
“With nuclear taking off so close to us, extensive expansion plans for La Hague processing centre, the EDF nuclear power plant at Flamavillee and nuclear submarine factory in Cherboug, I believe the French government representatives and EDF officials really need to get around the table with us to explain all of their nuclear plans, from operational sites to proposals in the region so close to us.”
Alderney is part of the Bailiwick Radiation Advisory Group which shares information relating to nuclear plants in France and further afield. The membership of the group also includes officers from Guernsey's Public Health; officers from Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation; the Health and Safety Executive; the Emergency Planning officer for both the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey; the States Pharmacist; pan-island Health Protection officers; the Committee for Home Affairs; External Relations officers; Corporate Communications and a Sark representative.
The States of Alderney said: "Members of P&F [Policy & Finance] were briefed by the Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink and the Channel Islands Emergency Planning Officer, Kevin Murphy back in February this year regarding the risk assessment of a nuclear incident occurring at either the nuclear plant at Flamanville or the reprocessing plant at La Hauge.
"Such an incident is very unlikely, and members were satisfied with the assessment and the ongoing work to monitor it, together with response arrangements."
Demands for the Bailiwick to have a say on nuclear expansion in France
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