4 Dec (NucNet): Construction has started of the nuclear block at the Flamanville-3 European pressurised water reactor (EPR) being built in Normandy, Electricite de France (EDF) said today.
The company said more than a day’s continuous pouring of more than 10,000 tonnes of concrete will be needed to create the first part of the slab for the floor of the future reactor building.
“This signals the start of the construction of the nuclear block and is a major step forward for the project,” a statement said. “The official inauguration will take place in the near future.”
Construction is reaching its “definitive phase” with 700 people working on the site, said EDF. This will increase to more than 2,000 at the height of activity.
The EDF board gave the go-ahead for construction of the EPR in May 2006, saying it expected to complete the unit by 2012.
In September 2006, EDF awarded two contracts worth more than 650 million euro (EUR) (958 million US dollars) for work connected with construction, including provision of the turbine island. In January 2007, Areva won the contract to supply the nuclear steam generator.
EDF has estimated the cost of its investment in the EPR at EUR 3.3 billion.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
France Gives Final Go-Ahead For Flamanville EPR (News No. 93, 11 April 2007)
Enel Signs Agreement For 12.5% Stake In Flamanville EPR (News No. 253, 30 November 2007)
