The civilian nuclear industry is often seen as a space resistant to innovation. Yet experience shows: when there’s an opportunity to do things better — whether improving safety or operational performance — the teams on the ground are always open to it.

The pneumatic airlock for the reactor building (BR), developed for and with EDF, is a perfect example. Ten years ago, it was designed, tested, and first deployed at the Saint-Laurent site in close collaboration with the then-MEEI service under Lara Baudin’s leadership. This year, it celebrates a decade of successful operation in the controlled zone.

Why has it lasted so long? Because it fully meets real-world requirements:

• Rapid installation and quick deployment
• Low calorific value and reduced fire load
• Flexible structure that helps reduce seismic risks

A decade later, what was once an innovation has become a widely adopted solution: it is now part of the national contract and deployed across all sites.

A great example of what truly works: listen to real operational needs, innovate, and implement consistently.

So, in that spirit: Happy B-Day to youuuu… 🎉