The energy company is therefore counting on the production of the first electrons before the end of the summer and at the latest on September 21, i.e. 12 years after the initially planned schedule.
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![The Flamanville EPR tank (Manche) at the time of fuel loading, May 10, 2024. (PIERRE COQUELIN / FRANCE BLEU COTENTIN)](https://www.francetvinfo.fr/pictures/9_bPkNuizraXEuhYcS1KoqQfVzs/0x263:2986x1947/432x243/2024/08/30/maxradiofr028586-66d1df0154fa2868246738.jpg)
The long wait is coming to an end. EDF filed its application for authorization on Friday, August 30, to proceed with the first “divergence”that is to say the first nuclear fission, within the EPR reactor in Flamanville (Manche), the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) told AFP.
As for the connection, or “coupling”to the electrical network of this new pressurized water reactor, the fourth of this type installed in the world, “There is no change in the schedule”EDF said for its part.
The energy company is therefore still counting on delivery of the first electrons before the end of the summer, and at the latest on September 21, twelve years after the initially planned schedule. The reactor will then have reached the 25% power level. Full power electricity production is expected by the end of the year.
The nuclear power plant operator received the green light from the ASN in early May to commission the 57th French reactor, installed in Flamanville next to two older reactors. EDF then immediately proceeded to load 60,000 nuclear fuel rods into the reactor vessel. The loading stage, key to the gradual launch of electricity production, was completed in mid-May.