Flamanville EPR Reactor Connected to National Grid
On December 21, 2024, the EPR nuclear reactor in Flamanville, Manche, was officially connected to the French electricity grid, marking a significant milestone for the French nuclear industry. After 17 years of construction and a delay of 12 years, the reactor began producing electricity at 11:48 a.m., as announced by EDF CEO Luc Rémont. This event is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time a reactor has been started up in France since Civaux 2, which was commissioned 25 years ago.
President Emmanuel Macron hailed the connection as a historic moment for the nation, emphasizing its importance in reindustrializing France to produce low-carbon energy. He stated, "Reindustrializing to produce low-carbon energy is French ecology. It strengthens our competitiveness and protects the climate."
Challenges and Delays in Construction
The journey to connect the Flamanville EPR to the grid has been fraught with challenges. Initially expected to be completed much earlier, the project faced numerous setbacks, including a budget that ballooned to over 13 billion euros—three times the original estimate. The connection, referred to as "coupling," was initially scheduled for December 20 but was delayed by 13 hours, highlighting the complexities involved in the final stages of construction.
Hundreds of workers were mobilized for the connection, which required precise coordination to ensure the turbine's performance. The reactor will initially produce a limited amount of electricity, ramping up to full capacity by the summer of 2025, contingent upon regulatory approvals from the nuclear safety authority (ASN).
Future Prospects for the EPR Reactor
The EPR reactor, which has a capacity of 1600 MW, will undergo a series of tests and inspections before reaching its full operational potential. The first inspection visit (V1) is scheduled for 2026, after which the reactor will require refueling, akin to emptying a car's tank. This first complete inspection will be crucial for ensuring the reactor's longevity and safety, particularly as it involves replacing the lid of the reactor vessel, a task that has been delayed due to previous manufacturing anomalies.
Despite the setbacks, the commissioning of the EPR reactor is seen as a pivotal moment for the future of nuclear energy in France. Olivier Bard, general delegate of Gifen, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that it prepares the ground for the revival of nuclear power in the country.
