Manufacturing irregularities in Areva’s Creusot plant weigh heavily on EDF reactor outages. Fessenheim 2 restart delayed by several months to end March 2017. Was halted by regulator ASN mid-June following discovery of irregularities in steel of reactor vessel. EDF investigating 18 reactors following discovery of irregularities in steel. Eight have been controlled so far and received ASN green light, five others remain closed as checks are ongoing, five more will be checked before early next year. Gravelines 5 reactor, closed since April for maintenance, will not restart till end March 2017 due to problems with steam generators. Paluel 2, closed since May 2015 for maintenance, remains closed following fall of steam generator. Bugey 5 closed since August 2015 and not to restart before end Feb. 2017 due to problem with sealing. Energy transition law specifies that reactors closed for more than two years have to be closed permanently. Government can give one-year extension. EDF has already lowered 2016 nuclear production outlook by three pct.
Reuters 9th Sept 2016 read more »