EDF: Flamanville 1 output cut from 1,330 MW to 600 MW

EDF: Flamanville 1 output cut from 1,330 MW to 600 MW

EDF (Électricité de France) has announced a further delay in connecting the Flamanville EPR to the electricity grid, pushing the start-up to late autumn 2024. This latest setback comes after a series of delays that have plagued the strategic nuclear project for over a decade [1].

The French nuclear safety authority (ASN) has given the go-ahead for the reactor to start producing the first electrons, but the connection process, or "coupling," still requires testing to reach an initial power level of 25%. This delay adds to the already significant cost overruns and construction anomalies at the site, which have increased the project's cost from an initial 3.3 billion euros to 13.2 billion euros [1].

EDF has revised its nuclear production forecast for 2024 upwards, now estimating it between 340 and 360 TWh. This revision is due to the better performance of the other reactors in service and optimized management of unit shutdowns and maintenance work [1].

Despite the delay, EDF remains cautious about the ramp-up of the Flamanville EPR, stressing that each stage is conditional on successful testing and regulatory approvals. The connection of the Flamanville EPR to the grid is expected to be a crucial indicator of EDF's ability to complete complex projects on time and on budget [1].

References:
[1] https://energynews.pro/en/edf-postpones-connection-of-flamanville-epr-by-three-months/