What are the real risks of the nuclear power plants in France?

It is evident that all possible technical measures have been taken to avoid an accident (which would be dangerous and expensive). The operating method of French nuclear power stations prevents runaway of the fission reaction and explosion of the reactor. However, the reactor's water circuit may break and, despite the confinement vessel, water slightly contaminated with radioactive elements could then spread into the atmosphere (in vapour form) or into neighbouring rivers. In the most serious cases, the fuel could melt down and liberate very radioactive products into the environment. There may be a break in the electric power supply, paralysing the power plant and its safety systems. Therefore, the electric circuits are multiple and independent. Earthquakes, criminal attacks or downing of planes are improbable events, but are taken into account in the design of a nuclear power plant and during its operation. It should be understood that, in France, there has never been a serious ...  more