France to build second latest-generation nuclear plant
Thu, Jul 03, 2008
AFP
LE CREUSOT (France) - PRESIDENT Nicolas Sarkozy announced on Thursday that France will build a second third-generation EPR nuclear plant, designed by world leader Areva.
'In a few moments I will announce the construction of a second EPR nuclear plant in France,' Mr Sarkozy told workers at an ArcelorMittal steel factory in central France as he prepared to deliver a speech on energy policy.
Mr Sarkozy recently said the government was considering building a second European Pressurised Water Reactor (EPR), in addition to a first plant that is set to enter service in 2012 in Flamanville in northern France.
The world's first EPR is currently being built in Finland by France's Areva. The project has run into major delays linked to the quality of the concrete used, and is now expected to become operational in 2011 instead of 2009.
Cement-pouring work at the Flamanville reactor also had to be halted in May after 'anomalies' were detected at the facility.
France's nuclear safety authority flashed a green light this month for construction to resume after utilities giant Electricite de France (EDF), which is building the plant, beefed up its technical inspection programme.
EDF has said it is confident the Flamanville plant, France's 59th nuclear reactor expected to cost 3.3 billion euros (S$7.12 billion), will enter service as planned in 2012.
The world's second producer of nuclear energy after the United States, France is vying to lead a worldwide revival of the industry, fuelled by worries about global warming and rising energy prices.
Nuclear currently accounts for 87 per cent of French electricity production, according to EDF.
Areva struck an eight-billion-euro deal in November to provide two EPR reactors and nuclear fuel to China, the biggest single contract in civilian nuclear history.
Areva, French oil giant Total and energy group Suez have also sealed a partnership aimed at selling two EPR reactors to the United Arab Emirates. -- AFP
