EDF: Update on Flamanville EPR Reactor Operations

On September 2, 2024, the Nuclear Safety Authority granted EDF the authorization for divergence operations at the Flamanville 3 reactor. Teams at the plant have started activities to produce the reactor's first nuclear reaction.

Following reactor loading last May, the Flamanville EPR team conducted technical tests and prepared the facilities for nuclear fission. Divergence will establish a stable nuclear reaction at 0.2% of the reactor's rated power.

A testing program will increase the power level to 25%, allowing the Flamanville EPR to connect to the national electricity grid by late autumn 2024. Testing will continue for several months as reactor power is gradually increased.