On 7 May 2024, ASN authorised commissioning of the Flamanville EPR reactor. This was the first commissioning of a nuclear power reactor in France since that of Civaux Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) reactor 2 in 1999. The EPR is the first third-generation reactor in France. Its design allows a significant reduction in the probability of core melt and radioactive releases in the event of an accident by comparison with the previous generation of reactors. Despite the considerable difficulties encountered during construction, the reactor was commissioned in good conditions of safety. However, the first months of operation showed that EDF needs to reinforce its oversight and control of operational activities. Completion of the start-up tests In the commissioning authorisation, ASN regulated the various phases of the reactor’s power increase, so that – throughout the process – the start-up tests were performed correctly until nominal power was reached. Once the commissioning authorisation was given, EDF initiated fuel loading into the reactor vessel. First criticality, that is the beginning of the nuclear chain reaction in the reactor, took place on 3 September 2024. Flamanville EPR reactor The first months of reactor operation 01 I 02 I 03 I 04 NOTABLE EVENTS 2024 14 ABSTRACTS – ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2024
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