25 Mar (NucNet): The installation and assembly of large components – four steam generators, the reactor pressure vessel, the pressuriser and primary pumps – has been completed at the Flamanville-3 EPR under construction in France, French utility EDF said in a statement yesterday.
This marks the first key milestone set by the EDF Group for the first quarter of 2016, according to a schedule drawn up in the summer of 2015, the statement said.
Installation has entered the second phase with the installation of the electromechanical components such as electrical valve control motors and the various pump motors.
Basic tests of all components will begin soon, EDF said.
In September 2015 EDF said first fuel loading and startup of the project is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2018 following “a comprehensive review” of the project and project organisation.
At the same time EDF said following an assessment of “all the industrial and financial parameters” project costs had been revised to €10.5bn ($11.7bn). An estimate released in July 2011 was €8bn.
