French experts confirm that EDF's Flamanville reactor can start up-source

Japan Steel Works

28/06/2017 09:53

By Geert De Clercq 
    PARIS, June 28 (Reuters) - EDF's  EDF.PA  nuclear reactor in 
Flamanville, north-western France, can start up despite weak 
spots in its steel, a group of experts said, confirming the 
nuclear regulator ASN's recommendation, a source familiar with 
the situation said.  
    The group, charged with reviewing the ASN's report into the 
reactor, agreed with its conclusion that EDF will have to 
consider replacing the cover of the new reactor vessel in a few 
years if it is not able to implement additional tests required 
by the ASN. 
    The group's non-binding recommendation - which will be used 
by the ASN to formulate a final ruling on Flamanville this 
autumn - is expected to be published by the ASN later this week. 
    The source also said that representatives of EDF told the 
group of experts that it had started a procedure to order a new 
cover for the reactor from Areva  AREVA.PA , which has designed 
the reactor. The new piece would be forged by Japan Steel Works 
 5631.T  and tooled by Areva.  
    EDF plans to build two of the same Areva-designed European 
Pressurized Reactor (EPR) models as Flamanville in Hinkley 
Point, Britain.  
    EDF and ASN declined to comment.  
 
 (Additional reporting by Benjamin Mallet, editing by Louise 
Heavens) 
 ((geert.declercq@thomsonreuters.com; +33 14949 5343; Reuters 
Messaging: Twitter: @gvdeclercq)) 
 
Keywords: EDF FLAMANVILLE/