9 Jan (NucNet): France’s nuclear operator EDF has completed the cold functional test phase for the Flamanville-3 EPR under construction in northern France, the state-controlled company said in a statement on 8 January 2018.
The cold functional testing phase is part of the system performance testing, which started in the first quarter of 2017, to check and test operation of all the EPR’s systems.
The cold functional test phase, which started on 18 December 2017 and was completed on 6 January 2018, saw the successful completion of the leak performance test on the primary system at a pressure greater than 240 bar – higher than the pressure of this system in operation. More than 500 welds were inspected during this hydrostatic testing, supervised by the regulator ASN.
EDF is now preparing hot functional testing of the 1,600-MW unit to be started in July 2018. The objective is to demonstrate the good working order of the plant by testing components with temperature and pressure levels similar to operating conditions.
EDF said fuel loading and start-up of the reactor is scheduled for the last quarter of 2018.
The group has also confirmed the cost of the project set at €10.5bn ($12.5bn). A previous estimate of the total cost in July 2011 was €8bn.
