EDF receives ASN approval for first nuclear reaction at Flamanville 3 reactor
France’s nuclear safety authority, Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire (ASN), has granted EDF a critical divergence agreement for the Flamanville 3 reactor, allowing the initiation of its first nuclear reaction. Following the fuel loading in May 2024, this marks a significant milestone for the European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) teams.
The divergence process will trigger a stable nuclear reaction at a very low power level, just 0.2% of the reactor’s capacity. Afterwards, a detailed testing phase will gradually increase the reactor’s power to 25%, leading up to the reactor’s first connection to the national electricity grid, expected by autumn 2024.
EDF received ASN’s approval in May 2024 to begin startup activities after a 12-year delay. The plant, located in northwestern France, underwent 600 inspections during its construction. ASN emphasised the importance of ongoing approvals and checkpoints to ensure safety throughout the commissioning process.
In a related development, EDF Renewables and Repsol announced in July 2024 an exclusivity agreement to collaborate on offshore wind tenders in Spain and Portugal, combining expertise in multi-energy sectors and offshore wind projects.