Electrabel / February 4 press release - Doel 3, Tihange 2

Below is the translated text of a new press release from Electrabel / GDF Suez.

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Restarting Tihange Doel 3 and 2: Electrabel has submitted its action plan for approval to the FANC

04/02/2013

Following the indications of defects due to hydrogen discovered last summer in the reactor vessel material Doel 3 and Tihange 2, Electrabel presented on December 5 a file of justification for the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control.

In its communication of 15 January, the FANC has emphasized the important work and high quality achieved by the operator in this framework. The agency also noted that it saw no evidence to suggest that plants should be put to the final judgment.

Before rendering its final decision on the restart, however, the Agency asked Electrabel information and additional tests.

Requests by FANC relate in particular to conducting pressure testing of the primary circuit of Doel 3 and Tihange 2 as well as mechanical tests on materials.

Electrabel has today submitted its action plan with a detailed schedule for approval by the supervisory authority. Electrabel will perform the tests with the utmost rigor. According to estimates, the tests would be completed before the end of March. The results will be submitted to the Agency.
Electrabel recalls that the maximum safety of its facilities is the top priority in respect of the public, workers and the environment.

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See my post at ANS Nuclear Cafe for background on this situation.

Click here to see the most recent previous APR post on this topic, including a press release from FANC.  Today's Electrabel press release is a response to this request by FANC.

Click here to view the original version of today's Electrabel press release in French.


11:20 AM Eastern 2/4/2013
ATOMIC POWER REVIEW