The Flamanville EPR, designed to be the most powerful reactor in France, continues its testing program in strict compliance with safety standards. EDF, or Électricité de France, submitted its authorization request in January 2025 as part of the program initiated following the issuance of the operating license by the ASN on May 7, 2024.
Tests and Authorizations
The results from the initial tests, covering the period from the first nuclear fission up to the 25% power level, demonstrated the availability of the reactor core’s monitoring and protection system. The ASNR, responsible for regulating nuclear safety, thereby validated the conformity of the physical test results performed on the reactor core.
By decision on January 31, 2025, the ASNR confirmed that all verifications and inspections, including the analysis of significant events reported by EDF and the corrective actions implemented, posed no obstacle to the continued power ramp-up. These regular inspections ensure the maintenance of a high level of safety throughout the testing phases.
Safety Controls and Monitoring
ASNR’s controls also include the analysis of vibratory phenomena observed during the tests. Olivier Dubois, an ASNR commissioner, indicated that modifications had been made to the reactor to incorporate feedback from identified vibratory phenomena. These corrective measures ensure a better anticipation of deviations in the system’s behavior.
Within its monitoring framework, the ASNR plans to rigorously control the reactor’s power ramp-up until it reaches nominal power, scheduled for the summer of 2025. Moreover, EDF will need to obtain new authorizations to increase power beyond 80% of the nominal capacity, thus ensuring continuous compliance with nuclear safety requirements.
Perspectives on Power Ramp-Up
The progress of the tests and the validation of the safety systems attest to the seriousness of the Flamanville EPR commissioning program. Each testing phase is meticulously monitored to meet the strict regulatory requirements imposed by the ASNR.
The upcoming stages of the testing program, along with the scheduling of additional controls, illustrate the commitment of both the authorities and EDF in the development of a next-generation reactor that conforms to international standards of nuclear safety.
