France: Level 1 fault detected at Cattenom power plant

A faulty sensor detected late at the Cattenom nuclear power plant triggers a level 1 alert. EDF and the French Nuclear Safety Authority have confirmed that there is no immediate risk to the safety of the facilities.
Défaut détecté tardivement Cattenom

Partagez:

EDF has notified the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) of a significant safety event at level 1 on the INES scale, following the discovery of a sensor fault at the Cattenom nuclear power plant. The late detection of this fault, dating back to March 2024, was brought to light during tests and checks carried out on July 6, 2024.
This sensor, crucial for monitoring the operating parameters of a production unit’s turbine, was declared unavailable well after the maximum repair time of three days. EDF points out that this sensor plays an essential role in reactor control and protection, being able to trigger automatic shutdown commands in the event of turbine failure.

Impact and Safety Measures

Despite this defect, EDF assures us that the safety of the installations has not been compromised. The other redundant sensors remained operational, guaranteeing continuity of monitoring and protection functions. Every year, around a hundred similar Level 1 events are recorded in France, with no major impact on plant safety.
The Cattenom power plant, near Thionville, comprises four pressurized water reactors with a unit capacity of 1,300 MW, commissioned between 1986 and 1991. These reactors generate around 37 TWh per year, representing 7% of EDF’s national output.

Analysis and outlook

This incident highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and early detection systems in nuclear facilities. Robust safety protocols and redundant systems are essential to prevent major accidents. Rapid, transparent communication from EDF and ASN helps maintain public and stakeholder confidence in nuclear safety management.
The event also serves as a reminder of the nuclear industry’s ongoing challenges in terms of preventive maintenance and technological updating. Rapid detection and correction of anomalies are crucial to guaranteeing plant safety and efficiency, while minimizing the risk of incidents.
The incident at the Cattenom power plant underlines the importance of vigilance and proactive maintenance in the nuclear sector. The corrective measures put in place and the effective communication from ASN and EDF demonstrate appropriate management of the situation, ensuring the continued safety of French nuclear facilities.

  • Populaires ​
France Officially Launches Its First Floating Wind Farm in the Mediterranean
CNOOC partners with KazMunayGas to explore the Zhylyoi subsoil area
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Europe extends gas storage obligations until 2027
Austria introduces a 20% bonus for European photovoltaic equipment
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS