French utility EDF disconnected the reactor at unit 1 of the Flamanville NPP (1,300 MWe) and the 1,600 MWe EPR reactor at unit 3 from the grid on 8 January in face of storm Goretti, which caused significant damage in Normandy.
EDF said power at unit 1 was reduced to 50% on the morning of 8 January “in accordance with planned procedures to cope with the announced weather forecasts”. Around midnight the unit was disconnected from the electricity network and was completely shut down on the afternoon of 10 January.
Unit 2 had been shut down for scheduled maintenance. “The unit is powered by internal and external electrical sources. Scheduled maintenance activities have gradually resumed on this unit,” EDF noted. Power at unit 3 was reduced to 55% power on 8 January and the unit was shut down on the evening of 10 January.
EDF reported that as a result of storm Goretti, equipment at the 400 kV substations supporting units 1&2 would have to be replaced. “This work must be carried out without power,” EDF said. “This power-off results in the temporary shutdown of the Flamanville 3 auxiliary transformer, leading to the production unit remaining shut down in accordance with operating procedures.” Units 1&3 would remain closed until 1 February. Unit 2 remained closed for maintenance.
EDF said: “All employees necessary for the proper functioning of the installations are present on the site. Their priority is to carry out diagnostic actions and prepare, if necessary, the maintenance actions necessary for restarting units 1 and 3.”
