The Flamanville EPR experienced its “first nuclear reaction” on Tuesday, a crucial stage in the start-up of this new-generation nuclear reactor.
The EPR nuclear reactor in Flamanville (Manche) experienced a “automatic shutdown” the day after its start-up and EDF teams are carrying out technical checks and analyses before being able to restart its operation. «divergence»that is, the nuclear reaction, announced EDF. “This morning, the reactor shut down automatically”a spokeswoman for the group told AFP. “The teams are carrying out the necessary technical checks and analyses, following the usual procedures, and then they will restart the reactor divergence.”she added.
“Starting up is a long and complex process that requires many trials and tests, and this can lead to such shutdowns.”she stressed. “This proves that the security system is working well.”she further indicated. “We know that this can lead to shutdowns of this type.” According to Nicolas Goldberg, energy expert at Colombus Consulting, “We have to expect this type of hazard. It is a very complex industrial process start-up and it is therefore common to encounter hazards.”
“Several disappointments”
The expert emphasizes to AFP that “On the Finnish EPR, there were several setbacks, notably with hydraulic pumps which were defective and had to be replaced”. “This does not call into question the start. We just have to be patient.”he notes. “According to the first elements of the technical diagnosis, this shutdown could be linked to an inappropriate configuration of the installation”said the EDF spokesperson. The latter “would have led to the automatic shutdown of the reactor in accordance with the device provided for in the design”she added.
The EPR in Flamanville (Manche), a new generation nuclear reactor, experienced its “first nuclear reaction” which marks the beginning of its power increase in successive stages. It must reach 25% power to be connected to the electricity network, which must occur “by the end of fall”according to EDF. The energy company had hoped to reach this stage by the end of the summer, i.e. by September 21 at the latest, but the group now estimates that these conditions should be reached by the end of the fall.
The start-up of the EPR is 12 years behind schedule due to numerous technical setbacks and mishaps that have caused the bill to explode, now estimated at 13.2 billion euros by EDF, four times the initial estimate of 3.3 billion. The EPR, a new-generation pressurized water reactor, is the 4th of its type installed in the world, the 57th reactor in the French nuclear fleet, and the most powerful in the country (1,600 MW). In the long term, it should supply electricity to around 3 million homes.
