Connection

popular articles

BYD: Half-year profit up 24.4% despite price war
Bolivia: YPFB seeks funding to revitalize the oil and gas sector
ExxonMobil launches Hammerhead Oil Project in Guyana
India: Petronet LNG adopts Novolen technology to boost production
Engie and Macquarie join forces to extend Mexico’s Mayakan gas pipeline

Flamanville EPR: A thorough examination on the road to commissioning

Find out the latest news on EDF's test campaign for the Flamanville EPR, the challenges facing the project and the crucial role of the ASN in authorizing commissioning.
EPR_Flamanville

Please share:

The Flamanville EPR will be commissioned by French energy giant EDF, launching a major test campaign. This step, known as the “final dress rehearsal”, is crucial after the many delays and uncertainties surrounding this nuclear project. This article explores these trials, the continuing challenges and the key role of the French nuclear safety authority (ASN) in authorizing commissioning.

Crucial tests for the Flamanville EPR

The test campaign underway at Flamanville is essential to prepare the EPR for commissioning. Over 4,000 safety and availability criteria will be assessed over the next 10 weeks. The aim of these tests is to guarantee the safety and efficiency of the reactor before its start-up, scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. The aim is to ensure that all safety standards are met.

This campaign mobilizes 200 employees to carry out these tests, which shows the scale of the task. This is vital to the successful commissioning of the EPR, which has been postponed several times.

Project challenges and delays

The Flamanville EPR has faced challenges and delays since construction began in 2007. Project costs have soared to 13.2 billion euros, four times the initial budget of 3.3 billion. The project is 12 years behind schedule.

These problems have raised concerns about the economic viability of the project and its role innuclear power generation in France. The commissioning of the EPR is essential for the future of nuclear energy in the country.

Review by the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN)

The ASN plays a crucial role in authorizing the commissioning of the Flamanville EPR. It recently closed a public consultation, which took comments until September 15. It is currently analyzing these comments and will publish a summary on its website.

The opinions of the Environmental Authority and local authorities will also be taken into account. A further public consultation will be held before the reactor is commissioned.

The tests currently underway will enable ASN to decide whether or not to authorize commissioning. This authorization is required to load fuel into the reactor. The outcome of this stage will determine the commissioning schedule for the Flamanville EPR, which is crucial for nuclear power in France.

In short, EDF’s test campaign for the Flamanville EPR is a key milestone in the completion of this complex nuclear project. Past delays underline the importance of this campaign for the future of nuclear energy in France. The ASN plays a central role in guaranteeing safety prior to reactor commissioning, which is closely monitored by the nuclear power industry and the public.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

North Macedonia: A Strategic Partnership with SOCAR for Energy Security
Strategic Partnership Between SEFE and Eletrobras for Green Hydrogen Supply
Increase in Premiums for 2025 LNG Contracts Following Trump’s Victory
Six new countries commit to tripling global nuclear production by 2050
Towards Methane Regulation Convergence: U.S. and European Union Collaborate

Recently published in

Six new countries commit to tripling global nuclear production by 2050

At COP29, six countries joined an ambitious declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing the number of signatories to 31, backed by major financial institutions.
EDF plans a decision on future EPRs in 2026
EDF projects a strategic decision for its first six EPR reactors in 2026, with sites for eight additional ones to be determined the same year, as part of France's energy strategy.
en_1140430540
EDF plans a decision on future EPRs in 2026
EDF projects a strategic decision for its first six EPR reactors in 2026, with sites for eight additional ones to be determined the same year, as part of France's energy strategy.
en_1140430540
Vietnam Revives Its Nuclear Program to Meet Growing Energy Demand
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
en_1140437540
Vietnam Revives Its Nuclear Program to Meet Growing Energy Demand
Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
en_1140437540
SMR: The UK Enters Crucial Negotiations with Four Key Players
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
en_1140411540
SMR: The UK Enters Crucial Negotiations with Four Key Players
Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.
en_1140411540

Nuclear Energy: A Climate Lever to Finance, Advocates the IAEA at COP29

At COP29, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizes the inclusion of nuclear energy in climate financing, while targeting a regulated access approach for developing countries.
Rafael Grossi in Iran: Crucial Discussions on the Nuclear Program
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits Iran to revive inspections and seek a diplomatic resolution on Iran's nuclear program amid growing international tensions.
en_1140407540
Rafael Grossi in Iran: Crucial Discussions on the Nuclear Program
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits Iran to revive inspections and seek a diplomatic resolution on Iran's nuclear program amid growing international tensions.
en_1140407540
Niger invites Russian companies to exploit its natural resources
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
en_1140408540
Niger invites Russian companies to exploit its natural resources
Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
en_1140408540
Framatome strengthens its presence in Italy to support nuclear energy in Europe
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
en_1140391540
Framatome strengthens its presence in Italy to support nuclear energy in Europe
Framatome opens offices in Milan and Turin, marking a new step in Franco-Italian cooperation for the development of nuclear energy in Europe.
en_1140391540

Poland: Towards Enhanced Nuclear Cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands

Poland strengthens its nuclear cooperation with Japan and the Netherlands, enhancing its capacity for its energy transition program.
Analysis of Fukushima radioactive debris: a key step in decommissioning
A sample of radioactive debris from the Fukushima power plant has been secretly transported to a laboratory near Tokyo. This crucial step is part of the lengthy decommissioning process, which is expected to take several more decades.
en_1140403540
Analysis of Fukushima radioactive debris: a key step in decommissioning
A sample of radioactive debris from the Fukushima power plant has been secretly transported to a laboratory near Tokyo. This crucial step is part of the lengthy decommissioning process, which is expected to take several more decades.
en_1140403540
EDF close to new nuclear electricity contracts with industrial companies
EDF hopes to finalize new long-term electricity contracts with energy-intensive industries by the end of the year, despite criticism over high electricity prices, which threaten their competitiveness.
en_1140376540
EDF close to new nuclear electricity contracts with industrial companies
EDF hopes to finalize new long-term electricity contracts with energy-intensive industries by the end of the year, despite criticism over high electricity prices, which threaten their competitiveness.
en_1140376540
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
en_1140372540
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
EDF challenges Czech decision on nuclear contract awarded to KHNP
en_1140372540

Rwanda relies on Russia to train its nuclear energy specialists

Rwanda relies on Russia to train its nuclear energy specialists
U.S. Nuclear Capacity Offline Declines Despite Summer’s Weather Disruptions
Despite extreme weather conditions this summer, offline nuclear capacity in the United States decreased by 16% compared to 2023, thanks to a reduction in unplanned outages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
en_1140306540
U.S. Nuclear Capacity Offline Declines Despite Summer’s Weather Disruptions
Despite extreme weather conditions this summer, offline nuclear capacity in the United States decreased by 16% compared to 2023, thanks to a reduction in unplanned outages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
en_1140306540
Calogena files for approval of its nuclear heating boiler for urban areas
The startup Calogena has taken a crucial step forward in its low-power nuclear boiler project for urban heating, submitting an application for approval to the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
en_1140302540
Calogena files for approval of its nuclear heating boiler for urban areas
The startup Calogena has taken a crucial step forward in its low-power nuclear boiler project for urban heating, submitting an application for approval to the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
en_1140302540
First Extraction of Radioactive Debris at Fukushima: Tepco Advances in Decommissioning
For the first time since 2011, a sample of radioactive debris was extracted from the damaged reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This breakthrough paves the way for new analyses essential to the decommissioning process.
en_1140274540
First Extraction of Radioactive Debris at Fukushima: Tepco Advances in Decommissioning
For the first time since 2011, a sample of radioactive debris was extracted from the damaged reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This breakthrough paves the way for new analyses essential to the decommissioning process.
en_1140274540

Macron offers France’s support to Kazakhstan for civilian nuclear development

During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Paris, Emmanuel Macron strengthened the strategic partnership between France and Kazakhstan, offering French expertise to support the development of civilian nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.
Niger denounces Orano’s suspension of uranium production
The Nigerien junta criticizes Orano's suspension of activities, claiming the decision harms stakeholder commitments and lacks transparency, according to a document from the state-owned company Sopamin.
en_1140215540
Niger denounces Orano’s suspension of uranium production
The Nigerien junta criticizes Orano's suspension of activities, claiming the decision harms stakeholder commitments and lacks transparency, according to a document from the state-owned company Sopamin.
en_1140215540
Rejection of Amazon Project: Nuclear Energy Companies Plunge on Wall Street
The refusal by the U.S. energy regulator for an Amazon data center project powered by nuclear energy has led to a stock drop for several energy companies on the New York Stock Exchange.
en_1140247540
Rejection of Amazon Project: Nuclear Energy Companies Plunge on Wall Street
The refusal by the U.S. energy regulator for an Amazon data center project powered by nuclear energy has led to a stock drop for several energy companies on the New York Stock Exchange.
en_1140247540
Worley Chemetics joins GE Vernova to strengthen the safety of the BWRX-300 modular reactor
GE Vernova partners with Worley Chemetics to manufacture a key component of the BWRX-300 modular reactor, aiming to enhance safety and stimulate Ontario's nuclear economy.
en_1140225540
Worley Chemetics joins GE Vernova to strengthen the safety of the BWRX-300 modular reactor
GE Vernova partners with Worley Chemetics to manufacture a key component of the BWRX-300 modular reactor, aiming to enhance safety and stimulate Ontario's nuclear economy.
en_1140225540

Japan Restarts Nuclear Reactor Near Fukushima Amid Safety Concerns

Nearly thirteen years after the Fukushima disaster, Japan resumes operations at a nuclear reactor in the northeast, reinforced to withstand tsunamis, as the country accelerates its energy transition.
Czech Giant CEZ Partners with Rolls-Royce to Develop Mini Nuclear Reactors
CEZ acquires a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR to build small nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic, aiming for stable and low-carbon energy.
en_1140194540
Czech Giant CEZ Partners with Rolls-Royce to Develop Mini Nuclear Reactors
CEZ acquires a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR to build small nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic, aiming for stable and low-carbon energy.
en_1140194540
Greenpeace warns of submersion risk at Gravelines nuclear power plant
On Monday morning, Greenpeace activists entered the Gravelines nuclear power plant site to highlight the marine submersion risks associated with future EPR reactors, emphasizing the site’s vulnerability to rising sea levels.
en_1140169540
Greenpeace warns of submersion risk at Gravelines nuclear power plant
On Monday morning, Greenpeace activists entered the Gravelines nuclear power plant site to highlight the marine submersion risks associated with future EPR reactors, emphasizing the site’s vulnerability to rising sea levels.
en_1140169540
Sweden: Court Approves Construction of Nuclear Waste Storage Facility
The Swedish judiciary has approved the construction of a radioactive waste disposal site in Forsmark, a long-term project designed to ensure secure storage for 100,000 years.
en_1140142540
Sweden: Court Approves Construction of Nuclear Waste Storage Facility
The Swedish judiciary has approved the construction of a radioactive waste disposal site in Forsmark, a long-term project designed to ensure secure storage for 100,000 years.
en_1140142540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS