Leak in French Brand Spanking New Reactor
Posted: 4th July 2025
Flamanville EPR: leak detected, restart postponed by at least six weeks, according to EDF. The reactor was shut down in mid-June as part of its long startup program. A leak in a protection valve of the main primary circuit was detected. Tests conducted in recent weeks have confirmed the presence of a leak in a protection valve in the main primary circuit. This circuit, composed of pipes containing water, plays a vital role: it notably cools the reactor core and generates the steam that powers the turbine. EDF must now intervene in a sensitive area of the plant, which further delays the resumption of ramp-up tests on the new-generation reactor. In light of the results, EDF has therefore decided to keep the reactor shut down until at least August 13. Six weeks is the time needed to work on the three valves in the system and then conduct tests before restarting the reactor, EDF told franceinfo.