from EDF (EPA:EDF)
Edf: Update on the Flamanville EPR: launch of reactor divergence operations
A Update on the Flamanville EPR: launch of reactor divergence operations
2 September 2024 – The Nuclear Safety Authority issued EDF with the divergence agreement to proceed with divergence operations on the Flamanville 3 reactor. The power plant's teams launch the activities required for the first nuclear reaction in the reactor.
After loading the reactor last May, Flamanville EPR teams carried out numerous technical tests and put the facilities into the required conditions to initiate nuclear fission.
Divergence will involve creating a stable nuclear reaction at very low power. Once completed, the reactor will be at 0.2% of its rated power.
A test programme to achieve a power level of 25% will be implemented. Once at this level, the Flamanville EPR will be connected to the national electricity grid for the first time and will generate electricity. This first connection is scheduled before the end of autumn 2024.
Testing will continue throughout reactor ramp-up, which will be carried out in successive stages over several months.
Date: 2 September 2024 |
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Press release
Divergence: how is a chain reaction initiated?
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The boron
Press release
Date: 02/09/2024
About EDF The EDF Group is a key player in the energy transition, as an integrated energy operator engaged in all aspects of the energy business: power generation, distribution, trading, energy sales and energy services. The Group is a world leader in low-carbon energy, with a low carbon output of 434TWh(1), a diverse generation mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydropower). It is also investing in new technologies to support the energy transition. EDF’s raison d’être is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. The Group supplies energy and services to approximately 40.9 million customers (2) and generated consolidated sales of €139.7 billion in 2023.
(1) see EDF URD 2023, sections 1.2.3, 1.3.2, and 3.1 (2) Customers are counted per delivery site. A customer may have two delivery points. |
[1] Boron is an element which can absorb neutrons produced by nuclear reactions.
[2] The control rods are made of materials that absorb neutrons.
[3] A neutron is projected onto the nucleus of a uranium atom. When it breaks, it releases several neutrons which in turn are projected onto other nuclei (see motion design). This is the chain reaction that produces heat in the reactor.