Flamanville 3 is expected to become France’s top-producing nuclear reactor, capable of generating enough electricity to power around three million homes
Normandy, France – The long-awaited startup of France’s Flamanville 3 nuclear reactor, plagued by delays and cost overruns, has finally resumed operations after an unexpected shutdown earlier this week. The European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) in Normandy, intended to serve as a model for the next generation of nuclear power plants, has faced a 12-year delay and a whopping €13.2 billion ($14.6 billion) price tag.
EDF, the French state-owned energy company responsible for the project, announced that the reactor began startup operations on Saturday, following a series of tests and fuel loading. The EPR’s complex startup process, which includes the creation of a stable nuclear reaction, is ongoing, with officials confirming that the unit is expected to be connected to the grid by the end of autumn.
The shutdown on Wednesday was attributed to a “human error” by the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN). The incident has sparked concerns about the reliability and safety of the EPR design, which has been used in reactors in China and Finland.
Despite the setbacks, EDF maintains that the start-up process is proceeding as planned, with officials warning that further automatic shutdowns may still occur. The reactor is currently operating at a reduced capacity, with plans to gradually ramp up to 25% output before reaching its full capacity of 1,600 megawatts.
At full power, Flamanville 3 is expected to become France’s top-producing nuclear reactor, capable of generating enough electricity to power around three million homes. The project’s numerous delays and cost overruns have raised questions about the feasibility of President Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious plan to rely on nuclear power for the country’s energy future.
As the EPR continues its startup process, EDF remains committed to meeting its targets, despite the challenges and setbacks. The successful completion of Flamanville 3 would mark a significant milestone for the French nuclear industry, but its troubled history has raised concerns about the reliability and safety of this critical infrastructure.
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