ASN continued its oversight of the start-up tests, and the equipment hot requalification phase in particular. Two inspections concerned the preparation of this phase and the identification and settling of the last prerequisites for it to be launched. ASN also conducted a three-day tightened inspection during the tests, mobilising eight inspectors and four experts from the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN). ASN considers that the preparation, performance and analysis of the tests were carried out satisfactorily. ASN is examining the results of these tests, submitted at the end of 2023, within the framework of the reactor commissioning authorisation application. In 2024, ASN will continue its examination within the framework of performance of the reactor pre-commissioning tests, followed by tests of the behaviour of the reactor core and the associated instrumentation. Alongside the completion of construction, EDF is preparing for future operation of the reactor with dedicated teams, whether in terms of defining and implementing organisational set-ups, skills management, or the preparation and familiarisation with the documents and equipment necessary for operation. On this subject, ASN has asked EDF to submit a periodic preparation progress report, and carried out two inspections in 2023 in addition to the in-depth inspection of May 2023 on preparation for operation. During this inspection, which lasted five days and mobilised 15 inspectors and 11 experts from IRSN, ASN noted that operational organisational set-ups were defined and in the majority of cases already deployed, and that the personnel had a sound knowledge of the facility. ASN nevertheless noted that a lot of work remained to be done, particularly on the preparation of the operational documentation for operational control and maintenance of the facility. In 2024, ASN will conduct a follow-up inspection before commissioning to ensure that the actions defined in response to ASN’s requests have effectively been carried out and meet the set objectives. Since 2020, many systems, structures and components have been mothballed during the work on the main secondary systems. After reviewing the approach defined by EDF, ASN conducted several inspections to check its implementation. The inspection conducted by ASN in 2023 confirmed that EDF’s strategy proved satisfactory in view of the complementary maintenance actions implemented and the verifications carried out on the items of equipment when they are de-mothballed. ASN also ensures the labour inspection duties on the Flamanville EPR reactor construction site. In 2023, in addition to checking that the contractors working on the site complied with the provisions concerning labour law, ASN continued examining the conformity of the facilities regarding evacuation and fire risks. ASN considers that the organisation of safety is on the whole appropriate with respect to the regulations and shall allow satisfactory transfer of the facilities to the future licensee. MANCHE WASTE REPOSITORY The Manche waste repository (CSM), which was commissioned in 1969, was the first radioactive waste repository operated in France. 527,225 m3 of waste packages are emplaced in it. The last waste packages to enter this facility were accepted in July 1994. From the regulatory aspect, the CSM is in the decommissioning phase (operations prior to its closure) until the installation of the long-term cover is completed. An ASN resolution shall specify the date of closure of the repository (entry into monitoring and surveillance phase) and the minimum duration of the monitoring and surveillance phase. Examination of the CSM’s periodic safety review guidance file had resulted in ASN formulating specific demands at the end of 2017, concerning in particular the justification of the technical principles of deployment of the long-term cover, the CSM memory system and the updating of the impact study. ASN is currently examining the periodic safety review report submitted by Andra in 2019. The periodic safety review inspection conducted in this context found that the licensee had conducted the review process in a generally satisfactory manner. Nevertheless, some points require particular attention, namely the replacement of the geomembrane in the event of loss of integrity, formalising of the licensee’s in-house check and the action plan (updating and level of detail). A meeting of the Advisory Committee of Experts for Waste (GPD) pertaining to the CSM periodic safety review was held on 1 February 2022 and underlined that the licensee’s commitments enable continued operation to be envisaged for ten years following submission of the file. The draft resolution concerning the continued operation of the centre was made available for public consultation in December 2023. In 2023, ASN considers that the organisation defined and implemented for operation of the CSM facilities with regard to safety, radiation protection and environmental monitoring is broadly satisfactory. More specifically, the licensee deploys an appropriate organization for monitoring the centre and its environment, and for meeting its commitments, whether concerning the inspection follow-ups or the periodic safety review process. The licensee must nevertheless consolidate the practices associated with the new framework of radiation protection competence centres. ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2023 73 Regional overview of nuclear safety and radiation protection • NORMANDIE •
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