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French Regulator Clears Flamanville EPR to Exceed 80% Power on Path to Full Operation

The safety watchdog says inspections revealed no barrier to further escalation, with targeted oversight continuing through the end of start-up tests.

La piscine nucléaire et son réacteur dans le bâtiment du réacteur nucléaire EPR de Flamanville, dans la Manche, le 25 avril 2024

Overview

  • The ASNR authorization lets EDF continue raising output beyond 80% and proceed toward maximum power while completing the start-up program.
  • EDF reported reaching 80% in mid-November and had targeted full power by late autumn, with final attainment yet to be confirmed.
  • Regulators will keep focused inspections on each subsequent step of the power ramp-up until start-up testing concludes.
  • EDF plans a 350-day shutdown from 26 September 2026 to replace the reactor vessel cover at the regulator’s request.
  • Project costs have risen from an initial €3.3 billion to about €23.7 billion in 2023 terms, and the validated maximum output remains under review between 1,585 MW and a hoped-for 1,620 MW depending on conditions.