AREVA-EDF's Flamanville reactor faces more uncertainty

French nuclear group EDF has confirmed it will carry out further tests on the reactor vessel at the heart of the new Flamanville-3 nuclear plant in Normandy, the same reactor model as the one planned for Hinkley Point in Somerset. In a statement, the firm conceded that problems in the steel casing for one reactor vessel extended beyond the point they have so far tested. Previously, the tests were to be carried out on samples from two forged parts but will now be conducted on three. The long-delayed Flamanville reactor in Normandy is seen as a prototype for Hinkley, the UK’s first new nuclear plant in a generation. If French regulators rules the reactor non-compliant construction could be delayed for years and costs could spiral.

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

AREVA (Paris:AREVA), together with EDF, has recommended to the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) to adapt the testing programme of the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor vessel head and bottom as decided at the end of 2015.

Initial analyses conducted on two parts similar to those at Flamanville 3 have shown that the carbon segregation phenomena extend beyond mid-thickness on one of them. As specified in the initial strategy approved by the ASN, the material sampling and related tests will be extended to three-fourths of the thickness of the part concerned.

The purpose of these initial analyses is also to better specify the variability of the main manufacturing parameters of the different parts. AREVA and EDF have therefore proposed extending the testing programme to include a third part to strengthen the robustness of the demonstration.

These adaptations to the testing programme will double the number of samples analysed. A total number of 1200 material samples will be taken to consolidate the representative nature of the three forged parts tested, both for carbon content and required mechanical properties.

The ASN has approved this addition to the testing programme, which will continue through the end of 2016, when the final report will be submitted.

EDF and AREVA have reaffirmed their confidence in their ability to demonstrate the quality and safety of the reactor vessel for the start-up of the Flamanville 3 reactor planned for the last quarter of 2018. The assembly and testing activities are going ahead at the construction site in line with the announced schedule.

About EDF Group

The EDF Group, a leading participant in energy transition, is an integrated energy company, working across the board of the specialisations: generation, transmission, distribution, trading, power sales and energy services. World leader in the low carbon energy sector, the Group has developed a diversified generation mix based on nuclear power, hydropower, new renewable energies and fossil fuel power. The Group contributes to energy supply and provision of services to around 37.8 million customers, including 28.3 million in France. In 2015, it generated consolidated turnover of 75 billion Euros, 47.2% of which was outside France. EDF is a company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.

About AREVA

AREVA supplies high added-value products and services to support the operation of the global nuclear fleet.

The company is present throughout the entire nuclear cycle, from uranium mining to used fuel recycling, including nuclear reactor design and operating services.

AREVA is recognized by utilities around the world for its expertise, its skills in cutting-edge technologies and its dedication to the highest level of safety.

AREVA’s 40,000 employees are helping build tomorrow’s energy model: supplying ever safer, cleaner and more economical energy to the greatest number of people.