Flamanville EPR Briefly Disconnected After Automatic Reactor Trigger
Flamanville, France – April 27, 2025
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor in Manche, France, experienced a brief interruption and disconnection from the electricity grid over a recent Friday and Saturday.
Sudden Halt and Reconnection
- The reactor was stopped at 10:41 a.m.Friday by the power station’s operating teams.
- This action was taken to perform
prior checks to cutting the electrical network.
- the reactor was successfully reconnected to the grid Saturday evening at 7:36 p.m.
EDF’s Statement
EDF, the French electric utility company, stated that the disconnection was due to the trigger of the protection mechanisms of the alternator, constantly automatic reactor.
The company assured that this incident would not affect the timeline for reaching full power, which is still expected in the summer of 2025.
More than 1,500 safety criteria are tested during a frist start.
EDF
Progressive Power Increase
EDF had previously indicated that the power increase of France’s 57th nuclear reactor would be a gradual process. This process may involve about a dozen scheduled maintenance stops, and also some unforeseen operations.
Background and context
The Flamanville EPR was connected to the electricity network on Dec. 21, 2024, after a 12-year delay.One week prior to this momentary judgment,the reactor returned to the network at the end of two months of stopping for maintenance.
FAQ
- why was the reactor disconnected?
- Due to the trigger of the alternator’s protection mechanisms.
- Will this delay the full power target?
- EDF says it will not.
- When was the reactor initially connected to the grid?
- Dec.21, 2024.
