Flamanville 3: France's First European Pressure Reactor Faces Further Delays

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The Flamanville 3 nuclear reactor, a European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) and France's most ambitious nuclear project in decades, has encountered additional setbacks. State-owned utility Electricite de France (EDF) (Paris, France) announced a one-week extension to the reactor's outage to address maintenance on three components within the nuclear section. This follows a prior two-month delay for work on the cooling circuit and turbo alternator rotors.

Commissioned in December 2024, Flamanville 3 has been operating at minimal power during its ramp-up phase. Despite these challenges, EDF maintains that the reactor is on track to achieve full power by summer 2025. The company emphasized that such shutdowns are part of standard procedures during the ramp-up phase, involving stress tests that may necessitate brief interruptions if issues are detected.

It represents France's first new nuclear reactor addition in 25 years. The project has faced significant hurdles, including a 12-year delay and significant cost overruns.

As EDF navigates these challenges, the company is also pursuing funding for six new EPR reactors under President Emmanuel Macron's 2022 nuclear expansion plan. The outcome of Flamanville 3's ramp-up phase will be closely watched, as it sets the tone for France's future nuclear endeavors.

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