The closure of the second reactor at the Fessenheim nuclear power plant will be carried out overnight from Monday to Tuesday, after 43 years in service and the closure of the first reactor last February. But when the Flamanville EPR was supposed to take over with the commissioning of a third reactor, where are we?
Not before 2023
Planned initially in 2012, but delayed several times, the commissioning of the third reactor at the Flamanville power plant will not take place before 2023. The various tests carried out in recent months have nevertheless been conclusive, but the welds have been found to be non-compliant by the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN). To start repair work, using a robot, EDF needs the approval of ASN, expected by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the cost of the site continues to increase. It already stands at 12 billion euros, against 3.5 million originally planned. In addition, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the calendar will also have to be studied. "We are watching," we tell EDF.
>> Watch Matthieu Belliard's morning show in replay and in podcast here
Loss of electrical power
The Covid-19 could also have an impact on the power supply next winter. Electricity Transport Network (RTE) already warns of a situation that will require "very great vigilance", especially since the closure of the Fessenheim nuclear power plant will represent a loss of electrical power of around 1800 MW.