ASN approves EDF to restart 9 reactors of 900MWe

After drilling down the results of inspections and technical demonstrations provided by EDF, ASN (France Nuclear Regulator) has given approval to start its 9 of the 12 units of 900 MWe reactors.

The 900 MWe reactors that are approved to be started are Bugey 4, Dampierre 3, Fessenheim 1, Gravelines 2 & 4, Saint-Laurent B1 and Tricastin 1,3&4.

Previous year ASN has identified 18 french nuclear reactors of 900 and 1450 MWe capacity operated by EDF, whose steam generators  may contain high carbon concentrations resulting in lower mechanical properties than expected. IN October ASN ordered EDF to carry out inspection on the steam generators channel heads in three months.

On 11 January, the company asked that inspection deadline for remaining units to be postponed for 2 weeks, which was accepted from the safety viewpoint.