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Flamanville EPR: ASN authorizes the commissioning of the nuclear reactor
After two years behind the initial schedule, the Flamanville EPR will be able to be put into service, following nuclear safety authorization.
(franceinfo)
After two years behind the initial schedule, the Flamanville EPR will be able to be put into service, following nuclear safety authorization.
On Wednesday May 8, the Nuclear Safety Authority granted the gradual launch of the Flamanville EPR, after two years behind schedule. “This authorization allows EDF to load nuclear fuel into the reactor and to carry out start-up tests and then operation of the reactor”, indicated Julien Collet, deputy director general of ASN. Started in 2007, the Flamanville EPR is to become the most powerful nuclear reactor in France, capable of supplying two million homes with electricity.
Safe commissioning?
Anomalies in the steel of the tank, cracks in the concrete of the slab, welding defects… The project experienced numerous setbacks. Is it safe to put into service? “There is a real risk that certain defects, of the same type as those that were identified and treated, will persist”, assures Yves Marignac, spokesperson for the négaWatt association. In total, the project cost 13.2 billion euros, four times the initial estimate. Its start is scheduled for this summer.
