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Corrosion: EDF will extend the shutdown of four nuclear reactors for several weeks

2022-08-25T16:20:40.438Z


Four French nuclear reactors, affected by corrosion problems, will see their shutdown extended for several weeks this fall


It was in a national context of very strong tensions in terms of electricity supply that EDF took this decision.

Four French nuclear reactors, affected by corrosion problems, will see their shutdown extended for several weeks this fall.

The group maintains its forecast for nuclear production for 2022 between 280 and 300 terawatt hours (TWh), although it could "probably" reach the lower end of this range, according to a spokesperson.

This extension is linked to "a better estimate" of the time needed to carry out the investigations and repair work, he adds.

Between planned maintenance operations and shutdowns related to this subject of corrosion, 32 nuclear reactors were shut down on Thursday, out of a total of 56.

Read alsoCorrosion defect: EDF will have to check the entire nuclear fleet

The four reactors concerned are: Cattenom 1 (return to the network now scheduled for November 1), Cattenom 3 (December 11), Cattenom 4 (November 14), and Penly 1 (January 23, 2023).

The price of electricity in France has been rising steadily for several months, breaking all-time records: it reached 900 euros per megawatt hour on Thursday, for delivery next year, against less than 100 euros a year ago, and less than 50 euros ordinarily in previous years.

The nuclear safety authority had validated this EDF strategy

The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) validated EDF's control strategy last July concerning the corrosion problems encountered on certain reactors in its French fleet.

EDF plans to check all of its reactors by 2025 using ultrasound to look for any traces of this problem.

The group must control the most sensitive areas of the 1,450 MW reactors and some of the 1,300 MW reactors as a priority.

"ASN considers that EDF's strategy is appropriate given the knowledge acquired on the phenomenon and the associated safety issues", indicates the Authority in a press release.

"However, with regard to reactor 2 of the Belleville nuclear power plant, the ASN considers that the inspection of this reactor scheduled for 2024 is too late", she specifies.

Source: leparis

All business articles on 2022-08-25

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