Andra's Missions

The French Radiaoctive Waste Management Framework

The French framework for radioactive waste management is based on:

• Council Directive 2011/70/Euratom, establishing a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
• The French Environmental Code, which defines the responsibilities of the various actors involved in radioactive waste management, including those of Andra.

• The National Plan for the Management of Radioactive Materials and Waste (PNGMDR), prepared and updated every five years by the French Government to organise, plan and oversee the management of radioactive materials and waste.

   

Andra: A Public Agency Dedicated to Radioactive Waste Management

Andra is a public industrial and commercial institution established by the Act of 30 December 1991

Its remit was expanded by the Planning Act of 28 June 2006 on the sustainable management of radioactive materials and waste, and further specified by the 2016 Act on the reversibility and creation procedures of Cigéo. 

Independent of radioactive waste producers, Andra is overseen by the ministers responsible for energy, research and environment.

Andra's Mission

Andra is responsible for the design and implementation of safe and responsible long-term management solutions for all French radioactive waste, in order to protect present and future generations from the risks associated with this waste.

Andra's activities

Andra’s missions consist of: 

• Designing, operating and monitoring existing disposal centres (in the Aube and Manche departments) as well as developing future facilities, especially Cigéo, the deep geological disposal facility project. 
• Supporting public policies through the National Inventory of Radioactive Materials and Waste and studies related to radioactive waste management. 
• Remediating sites contaminated by radioactivity and collecting legacy radioactive objects. 
• Preserving and transmitting the memory of Andra’s disposal facilities. 
• Informing and engaging in dialogue with all stakeholders, both in France and internationally

 

Working with Stakeholders

Radioactive waste management in France is based on shared responsibilities between public authorities, waste producers and Andra, under the oversight of the competent authorities, notably the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR).

Andra also maintains ongoing dialogue with local authorities, civil society organisations, local information committees and other stakeholders involved in radioactive waste management.