On Wednesday 23 September 2026, Greenpeace Luxembourg released an official statement on the protection of critical infrastructure in relation to recent observations of unidentified drones across the Grand Duchy.
Greenpeace Luxembourg said that these events, particularly those in the area of Luxembourg airport, “raise questions about the protection of critical infrastructure.”
The environmental association stressed: “These recent incidents must, in particular, be examined in the context of the planned extension of the lifespan of the Cattenom nuclear power plant. Greenpeace Luxembourg is calling on the government to seek information from the French authorities about the risks of drone attacks and acts of sabotage. If Cattenom is not adequately protected against such attacks, the Luxembourg government must demand the reactor’s closure.”
Greenpeace Luxembourg highlighted a Greenpeace study which examined the threat posed by modern drones to French nuclear power plants and, in particular, the potential consequences of an attack on the building housing spent nuclear fuel storage pools. According to the analysis, a malicious act of this kind could cause a coolant leak and consequently lead to a major nuclear accident. If such an incident were to affect the Cattenom plant, the repercussions could impact the whole of Luxembourg.
“The latest developments remind us that we must take the risks associated with modern drones seriously. The people of Luxembourg have the right to know to what extent Cattenom is protected against such threats. If a reactor cannot be adequately defended against targeted attacks, its lifespan must not be extended,” explained Roger Spautz, Nuclear Campaigner at Greenpeace Luxembourg.
In October 2026, Unit 1 of the Cattenom nuclear power plant will reach its initially planned operating limit of 40 years. It is due to be shut down at the beginning of 2027 for its fourth ten-yearly inspection. A public consultation on the operating conditions is also planned as part of a possible extension of its lifespan.
Greenpeace Luxembourg said it opposes extending the operation of the Cattenom nuclear power plant. In addition to the known risks associated with ageing reactors, new threats such as drone attacks must also be taken seriously. Given the potential cross-border consequences of a major accident, it is essential to have clear information about the actual level of protection at Cattenom.
“The French authorities must reveal how they are protecting Cattenom against new threats. Extending the operating life of a nuclear power plant must never take precedence over the safety of the population,” stressed Roger Spautz.
