France’s Flamanville EPR Nuclear Reactor Begins Power Generation After 12-Year Delay

The long-awaited reactor, the most powerful in France, is now connected to the grid and will reach full capacity by summer 2025 after extensive testing.

The Flamanville EPR reactor, initially planned for completion in 2012, has started generating electricity after a 12-year delay and tripling of its original budget to over €13 billion.
The reactor, with a capacity of 1,650 megawatts, is currently operating at 20% power and will undergo multiple tests and gradual increases in output before achieving full capacity by mid-2025.
The project faced numerous setbacks, including regulatory hurdles, technical malfunctions, and a required replacement of the reactor's lid due to material flaws, scheduled for 2026.
Despite its challenges, the Flamanville EPR is considered a milestone for France’s nuclear industry, which has faced criticism and skill shortages over the past two decades.
The reactor's success is seen as pivotal for future nuclear projects in France, including plans for the next-generation EPR2 reactors, as the country seeks to bolster its energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Courrier International