Bugey winegrowers sue EDF over nuclear plant name amid fears for regional identity

Vignerons from the Bugey region in eastern France have taken legal action against EDF, the French energy giant, over the use of the name “Bugey” for its nuclear power plant. The dispute centers on the fact that both the local wines and the nuclear facility share the same name, which has led to confusion and frustration among wine producers. The Bugey nuclear plant, located in Saint-Vulbas and operating since 1965, is currently under consideration for expansion with a new EPR reactor. A public inquiry on this project is ongoing.

For years, the Bugey winegrowers’ union has tried to negotiate with EDF, seeking a name change for the power station. They have suggested alternatives such as “Centrale de Saint-Vulbas,” after its host town, or “Centrale de la plaine de l’Ain,” referencing the broader region. However, these efforts have not succeeded. Jean-Luc Guillon, president of the winegrowers’ union, expressed his disappointment at what he described as a lack of willingness from EDF to compromise. He recalled similar issues faced by winemakers in Tricastin after incidents at the local nuclear plant in 2008. Those producers eventually rebranded their wines as Grignan-les-Adhémar to recover their reputation.

Guillon emphasized that Bugey’s wine producers are not opposed to nuclear energy but are determined to protect their appellation, which predates the power plant by many years. He argued that while EDF is defending a name, the winegrowers are defending their livelihood and production tools. Régis Bernard, vice-president of the union, pointed out that changing the plant’s name would not affect electricity sales but would help preserve the identity and reputation of Bugey wines.

On September 10, 2024, after years of unsuccessful negotiations, the Bugey winegrowers’ union filed a lawsuit against EDF in Lyon. Despite this legal move, talks between both parties briefly resumed but again reached an impasse. During their spring general assembly, Bugey’s winemakers confirmed their decision to proceed with legal action and made their stance public.

A judge in Lyon is expected to issue a preliminary opinion on the case in September. In the meantime, the union is seeking support from other players in the French wine industry. Guillon warned that if their claim is rejected, it could set a precedent threatening all French appellations. He cited French and European laws that protect appellations from becoming public domain names.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how geographic names are used by industries beyond agriculture and may influence future disputes between local producers and large corporations over naming rights. The Bugey winegrowers remain firm in their resolve to defend their heritage and ensure that their wines are not overshadowed by associations with nuclear energy.