ASN authorise commissioning of the Flamanville EPR reactor

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This authorisation concludes the process conducted by ASN, with the support of IRSN, to examine EDF’s authorisation application. ASN also oversaw the construction of the reactor, which involved the performance of nearly 600 inspections .

The authorisation issued by ASN is accompanied by binding technical requirements which:

• regulate the performance and monitoring of the installation’s start-up tests following loading of nuclear fuel into the reactor;
• stipulate how experience feedback from the operation of other EPR type reactors around the world is to be taken into account;
• define the deadline for replacement of the exchangers between the component cooling water system (RRI) and essential service water system (SEC) so that a sufficient level of performance is guaranteed throughout the lifetime of the installation;
• define the deadline for replacement of the bodies of two main secondary systems protection valves.

ASN has already required that the vessel closure head be replaced and this will take place during the reactor‘s first refuelling outage.

During its examination, ASN consulted the public regarding the EDF file and the draft commissioning authorisation. ASN also obtained the opinion of the Environmental Authority and the regional authorities concerned by the project. Finally, it held a hearing for the local information committee of the Flamanville nuclear power plant.

ASN is publishing the report summarising the conclusions of its examination as well as a summary of the public consultations held during the course of this examination. As a result of these consultations, ASN supplemented the technical requirements appended to the commissioning authorisation resolution, so that EDF regularly informs the local information committee and the public regarding the performance of the start-up tests.

ASN will be responsible for monitoring reactor start-up. Its approval will in particular be required before certain important steps.

To find out more (in french):

ASN resolution 2024-DC-0780 of 7 May 2024

ASN resolution 2024-DC-0780 of 7 May 2024 authorising commissioning of Basic Nuclear Installation 167, known as "Flamanville 3", and setting binding requirements on Électricité de France (EDF) with regard to its operation

Flamanville EPR reactor (BNI 167) commissioning authorisation – Summary of public consultations

Flamanville EPR reactor (BNI 167) commissioning authorisation application examination report

Main steps following commissioning of the Flamanville EPR reactor