France is preparing for a difficult winter. While many nuclear reactors are shut down – including the two Flamanville reactors – the risk of a power shortage looms. The Manche nuclear power plant is working to produce electricity again by the end of the year.
the reactor n°2halted since February, must restart the November 26. the reactor number 1 will be reconnected to the network a month later after a major maintenance operation.
At the heart of the steam generator replacement project
© Radio France
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Anthony Raimbault
EDF is currently finishing the installation of its four new steam generators in Reactor Building 1. These large cylinders, 22 meters high (the size of an 8-story building) and each weighing more than 500 tons (an Airbus A380 taking off!) serve as an interface between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit.
© Radio France
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Anthony Raimbault
“We will only do it once in the life of a power plant”
old steam generators dated from the commissioning of the plant in the 80s. The replacement had been scheduled for several years. “After thirty years of activity of a plant, we replace the steam generators. We will only do it once in the life of a power plant”explains Eric Muller of EDF’s Nuclear Fleet, Deconstruction and Environment Engineering Division.
© Radio France
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Anthony Raimbault
“Be there this winter”
The four steam generators are being welded to the piping system, a high precision job. Reactor 1 should be able to produce electricity again on December 25a month after Flamanville 2 assures the director of Flamanville 1&2 David Le Hirwell aware of the expectation in this context of energy crisis. “We are confident to restart the two units before winter peaks. We do indeed feel this pressure, but it is my role as a manager to protect the teams from this pressure so that they remain focused on safety, quality and respect for the schedule in order to be in fine with the network this winter. »