The Civil Liability of European Nuclear Operators: Which Coverage for the New 2004 Protocols? Evidence from France
International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Vol. 8, pp. 227-248, July 2008
23 Pages Posted: 22 Jan 2008 Last revised: 5 Nov 2009
Date Written: 2008
Abstract
Our analysis proceeds as follows. First, we will present the current nuclear liability regime and the amendments enacted by the 2004 Protocol. Secondly, we will analyse and measure the respective costs of the coverage mechanisms currently used in OECD countries. For this purpose, we will rely on the costs borne by the French nuclear operator, EDF, who covers its risk through a combination between his own financial reserves and insurance. This analysis will allow us then to demonstrate that this combination is costly and suboptimal, and more generally, that the current coverage system is limited as regards the future financing the 2004 Protocol. Finally, we will conclude.
Keywords: civil liability, nuclear operators, coverage, 2004 Protocol
JEL Classification: K10, K32, K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation