The Flamanville 3 EPR nuclear reactor finally began providing electricity on Saturday

The Flamanville 3 EPR nuclear reactor, France’s most powerful to date, finally began providing electricity to French homes on Saturday after a plethora of technical setbacks led to a 12-year delay and a four-fold increase in the project’s overall cost.

France24 21st Dec 2024

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241221-france-s-most-powerful-nuclear-reactor-finally-comes-on-stream

The long-delayed Flamanville 3 EPR reactor in Normandy in northern France has begun delivering electricity to the grid, EDF announced. The utility said the 1630 MWe (net) pressurised water reactor was connected to the grid for the first time at 11:48 (local time) on Saturday. EDF said in a statement: “Teams have achieved the first connection of the Flamanville EPR to the national grid … the reactor is now generating electricity. Since the first nuclear reaction on September 3, 2024, EDF teams have conducted a series of tests and inspections to gradually increase the reactor’s power.” Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF stated: “The coupling of the Flamanville EPR is a historic moment for the entire nuclear sector. I would like to salute all the teams who have met the challenges encountered during this project with the greatest tenacity and never compromising on safety. Flamanville 3 joins the three EPRs already in operation in the world, in China and Finland.”