Approval of the Flamanville 3 EPR’s vessel by the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN)

EDF has taken note of the ASN’s position indicating that the Flamanville 3 reactor vessel is fit for service. Construction at the site is progressing according to the schedule announced in September 2015: the system performance tests have started, with a view to the fuel loading and the reactor start-up, scheduled for the end of 2018.

Regarding the vessel bottom, EDF has developed an in-service monitoring system that will ensure its operation over the long term.

With regard to the vessel cap, EDF takes note of the ASN’s request to plan for its replacement by the end of 2024. The direct cost of replacing a vessel cap amounts to approximately €100 million. At the same time, EDF’s teams are mobilised to develop an in-service monitoring method that would allow it to demonstrate that the lid maintains its qualities over the long term. EDF is committed to providing a progress report to the ASN within two years on this work. If this work is conclusive, EDF will submit a new application to the ASN in order to be able to use the vessel cap beyond 2024.

EDF will comply with the requests made by the Nuclear Safety Authority in its final decision.