Official announcements from European energy authorities

France's EPR Nuclear Reactor at Flamanville Connected to Grid on December 21, 2024, After 12-Year Delay, Producing 1,630 Megawatts

Dec 21, 2024, 11:48 AM

The EPR nuclear reactor at Flamanville, France's most powerful reactor, has been connected to the national electricity grid as of December 21, 2024, after a lengthy construction period of 17 years and a delay of 12 years. The reactor, which is capable of producing 1,630 megawatts of low-carbon electricity, is expected to supply power equivalent to the consumption of approximately two million households at full capacity. The connection marks the first addition to France's nuclear fleet since the Civaux 2 reactor was brought online in 1999. Despite the delays and a total cost that ballooned to €13 billion, this milestone is seen as a significant achievement for the French nuclear industry. EDF, the operator, has indicated that the reactor will undergo a series of 10 to 15 stop-and-start operations in the next six months as it ramps up to full power.