France’s EDF plans to restart nation’s total nuclear fleet by early subsequent yr

France plans to restart the nation’s total nuclear fleet by early subsequent yr. One of many largest producers of nuclear energy on the earth, state-owned EDF is making an attempt to keep away from disruption to its vitality provide over the winter in any respect prices. 

The minister of Power Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, mentioned the corporate was on board with the schedule.

“As you already know, 32 reactors are shut down, some for stress corrosion and others for routine upkeep,” mentioned Pannier-Runacher. “EDF has undertaken to restart all of the reactors this winter. We’re monitoring the state of affairs carefully with weekly updates and we’re being particularly vigilant to make sure that this schedule is saved.”

Bold timetable

Based on EDF’s projections, 27 nuclear reactors should restart by the tip of December, adopted by 5 others between early January and mid-February 2023.

Nonetheless, many query the corporate’s capacity to do it, particularly for the 12 reactors stopped for stress corrosion. Repairing them requires lengthy and sophisticated operations. The President of the Nuclear Security Authority, Bernard Doroszczuk, warned that different issues may be detected, resulting in the brand new closures.

Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne, has urged the administration of EDF to search out options shortly, to keep away from having to restart coal-fired vegetation this winter. 

This drop in manufacturing, coupled with the decreased use of Russian fuel in thermal energy vegetation, continues to place strain to extend costs. The wholesale value of the megawatt has been multiplied by 10 in a single yr, reaching €1000.