EDF has taken a major step towards the commissioning of the Flamanville EPR reactor with the start of divergence operations. The Nuclear Safety Authority has granted approval to proceed with these operations, which mark the start of the first controlled nuclear reaction at the reactor.
The start of operations of the Flamanville EPR
Following reactor loading in May, the Flamanville EPR teams have conducted a series of technical tests to prepare the facility for nuclear fission. Divergence will involve creating a stable nuclear reaction at extremely low power, starting with the reactor operating at 0.2% of its rated capacity. This is a critical event in the commissioning process, because it establishes the conditions necessary to progressively increase the reactor power.
Once the initial tests have been completed, a more extensive test program will be launched that will bring the reactor to a 25% power level. At this point, the EPR will be connected to the national power grid, registering its first contribution to France’s power supply.
The commissioning of the Flamanville EPR reactor is a breakthrough for France’s energy security, and also reaffirms EDF’s commitment to advanced nuclear technology. This project has faced multiple challenges and delays, but its success is vital to keeping France at the forefront of clean and safe power generation.
The continuity of the tests and the gradual escalation of reactor power will be carried out in successive stages over several months, under the strict supervision of the nuclear safety agencies, to visualize the reactor’s behavior.
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Source: EDF
Photo: Shutterstock
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