©CEA
Defense
Land-based test reactor
Design, construction, and operation of the land-based test reactor (RES) on behalf of the CEA
Commissioning : 2018
Strategic Transformation from 2024 to 2027
A Reactor for Deterrence
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
From the experimental to the production reactor
With an architecture and technologies representative of onboard nuclear reactors, the RES has served as a key tool for experimentation, development, and simulation in the design and maintenance of nuclear propulsion systems for naval vessels. It is currently undergoing a transformation in preparation for its future use as a facility for the irradiation of materials intended for military use.
our role
Operational Management of the RES
TechnicAtome served as the prime contractor for the overall design and construction of the reactor before becoming its technical operator on behalf of the CEA. Since 2024, TechnicAtome has been carrying out work to retrofit the facility in preparation for its future use in support of deterrence.
A land-based reactor in its ‘new mode’
With its conversion into a facility for producing material for deterrence, the RES is now entering a continuous operating mode similar to that found in nuclear power plants. This operational cycle, including a reactor shutdown and an annual refueling, marks the beginning of a second phase in the facility’s life cycle and introduces new activities for the TechnicAtome teams responsible for its day-to-day operations.
Key Project Milestones
2024
March 2021
October 2018
Land-based test reactor
Project in Pictures
RES Operation ©TechnicAtome
OUR PROJECTS
Long-term projects in challenging environments
For more than 50 years, TechnicAtome has been designing, building, operating, and maintaining nuclear reactors in support of strategic programs.
