ASN Report 2018

2.11.3  –  Evaluation of construction, start-up tests and preparation for operation of the Flamanville EPR reactor Generally speaking, ASN considers that the organisation put into place for preparations for operations is on the whole satisfactory. Despite the improvements to the traceability of test conditions and results, EDF must further adapt its practices regarding the performance of start-up tests, so that they are carried out in the planned conditions and so that their actual representativeness is correctly documented. The inspections carried out on equipment qualification also reveal inadequate traceability of qualification reservations until such time as they are lifted. EDF is required to complete the qualification process on this point. Finally, major shortcomings in EDF monitoring of outside contractors were revealed during assembly and inspection of the main secondary systems. ASN therefore asked that the review of the quality of the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor equipment be extended to include a broader scope of equipment and subcontractors, while adapting the depth of the review to the specific implications concerned. In 2019, ASN will continue its oversight of these topics, more specifically on preparation for operations, start-up tests and the compliance work on the main secondary systems.  2.12  ̶  Studies on reactors of the future • EPR new model and EPR 2 In April 2016, EDF asked ASN for its opinion on the safety options for a PWR reactor project called EPR new model (EPR NM), currently being developed by EDF and Framatome. This project aims to meet the general safety objectives for third generation reactors. It aims to integrate the lessons learned from the design, construction and commissioning of the EPR type reactors at Flamanville 3, Olkiluoto 3, Taishan 1 and 2 and Hinkley-Point C, along with operating experience feedback from existing reactors. Moreover, the design of this reactor aims to incorporate all the lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi NPP accident. This more specifically entails reinforcing the design against natural external hazards and consolidating the independence of the installation and the site in an accident situation (with or without core melt) until such time as the off- site emergency services can intervene. ASN examined the Safety Options Dossier (DOS) for the EPR NM with the support of IRSN during the course of 2017, taking account of the recommendations of Guide No. 22 on the design of pressurised water reactors. At the request of ASN, the GPR met in January 2018 to examine this dossier. EDF also forwarded to ASN its decision to upgrade the technical configuration of the EPR NM to a new version, called EPR 2, which incorporates some of the conclusions of the examination of the DOS for the EPR NM. ASN will be issuing a position statement on the proposed safety options in early 2019. • Small Modular Reactors Several Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects are currently being developed around the world. These are reactors with a power of less than 300 MWe, built in a plant and delivered to their installation site. A French SMR project involving EDF, Technicatome, CEA and Naval Group is currently at the feasibility studies stage. ASN considers that these projects are opportunities to develop reactors with significant nuclear safety improvements. • Generation IV reactors Since 2000, in partnership with EDF and Framatome, CEA has been looking at the development of fourth generation nuclear reactors, notably within the framework of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF). For their promoters, the main challenge for fourth generation reactors is to allow sustainable development of nuclear energy while optimising the use of natural resources, reducing the production of radioactive waste, improving nuclear safety and offering greater protection against security, proliferation and terrorism risks. For those promoting them, the industrial deployment of fourth generation reactors is envisaged in France no earlier than the middle of the 21st century. ASN inspection – Reactor building: preparation for the containment hydrotest – March 2018 ASN report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2018  313 10 – EDF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS 10