French nuclear output hit 40 GW Thursday for the first time since October 2, with at least three reactors ramping up and some seven more reactors scheduled for a return next week, data from nuclear operator EDF and grid operator RTE show. The temporary shutdown of the Tricastin nuclear power plant requested by French nuclear safety regulator ASN, the regulator’s Le Creusot review and operational maintenance delays have hampered nuclear production so far this month with output averaging just above 37 GW, RTE data shows. This is well below September’s output, with peaks above 43 GW before the Tricastin shutdown. September output also registered the biggest year-on-year rise so far this year, the data shows. EDF restarted its 1.3 GW Paluel-4 nuclear reactor on Sunday after receiving the go-ahead last week from ASN for a restart, with the unit still ramping-up to full capacity, it said. Paluel-4 was the first reactor to return amid ASN’s review of documents relating to parts manufactured by the Le Creusot forge for all 58 reactors in France.
Platts 26th Oct 2017 read more »
[Machine Translation] The postponement of the generic Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) opinion on the continued operation of certain reactors beyond the age of 40, revealed on 24 October, could have serious consequences for the implementation of the law. energy transition. And, beyond, on the image of nuclear power in the public opinion, and the perception of the role of the State in terms of energy strategy.
La Tribune 27th Oct 2017 read more »