Flamanville EPR reactor reconnected to grid two days ahead of schedule

EDF reconnected the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor to the power grid on 19 April, two days ahead of schedule, following a series of technical maintenance works and adjustments on critical components.

Partagez:

The European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) located in Flamanville, Manche, was reconnected to the French power grid on Saturday 19 April at 8:30 p.m., according to information released by Électricité de France (EDF) the following day. This step marks progress in the power-up phase of the reactor, which had been offline since 15 February due to unplanned maintenance operations. The early return to the grid follows several successive delays related to safety inspections.

The reactor, which has a maximum output capacity of 1,620 megawatts, resumed operation at a limited level of 90 megawatts. EDF confirmed that power variation tests are scheduled until the following Wednesday. This gradual increase in output is part of the initial startup process for a third-generation nuclear reactor, which spans several months to comply with safety protocols. Full power output, equating to 100% of nominal capacity, remains scheduled for summer 2025.

Extended maintenance on cooling system components

The reactor’s shutdown, initially intended as temporary, was extended twice in February. EDF carried out work on a cooling system using seawater, on the turbo-alternator unit, and on other elements considered necessary to ensure safe progression through the power-up sequence. The group also noted that further adjustments had been made to the bearings guiding the turbine rotors.

These technical operations are part of the standard procedures for a new-generation reactor, particularly during the system validation phase. EDF highlighted that more than 1,500 safety criteria are assessed during the initial startup, which can require several planned stoppages or unexpected adjustments.

A restart following multiple delays since late March

The reactor’s recommissioning was originally scheduled for 30 March but was postponed several times. The latest timeline indicated a return to the grid on Monday 21 April. This recent progress in the Flamanville EPR project comes as EDF aims to stabilise availability across its national nuclear fleet, comprising 57 reactors.

The Flamanville reactor was connected to the grid for the first time on 21 December 2024, twelve years behind the original schedule. Since then, it has undergone two scheduled stoppages. EDF considers this gradual load increase a standard procedure for a first startup, requiring in-depth testing at each operational stage.

NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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, 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 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.
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.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.
Confidential reports from the IAEA and multiple intelligence agencies confirm Iran's uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, contradicting Tehran's official statements. EnergyNews.pro retraces the evolution of Iran's nuclear program since 2015, three years before the Trump administration's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.
Uranium spot price hits its highest level of 2025 following a significant fundraising announcement by a specialized Canadian investment fund, prompting vigorous trading and strong reactions in the international market.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced being close to an intergovernmental agreement with Washington for Westinghouse to build a 1,250-megawatt nuclear reactor at the Jaslovske Bohunice site.