A leak of radioactive water vapor detected at reactor number 1 of the Flamanville nuclear power plant has forced EDF to postpone its restart until May 5, whereas it was initially scheduled for April 5.
This is a new setback for the Normandy power plant: a radioactive steam leak of 1 liters per hour was detected on March 000 in a small pipe in the primary circuit of reactor No. 22, which was being restarted after maintenance. The primary circuit, crucial for cooling the reactor core, is one of the most sensitive elements in terms of safety. The French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) has classified this incident as level 1 on the INES scale, which has eight levels.
EDF assures that there has been no environmental impact
According to EDF, the leak was contained within the reactor building, which was immediately put into standby mode, meaning a drop in pressure and temperature. No personnel were inside the building at the time of detection, and no environmental pollution was observed. An inspection conducted on March 26 by the ASNR confirmed that procedures had been correctly followed. EDF will now carry out repairs and carry out expert assessments to precisely identify the source of the leak.
Flamanville reactor No. 1, with a capacity of 1 MW, should restart on May 300, if repairs go as planned.
