French power giant Electricite de France SA (EDF) announced on Tuesday it had pushed back its third-generation pressurized water (EPR) nuclear plant start date in Flamanville to 2017 due to delayed components expected from infrastructure firm Areva.
Construction on the plant began in 2007 and it has already missed its original operations start scheduled for 2012. In a statement this week, EDF blamed “difficulties” with Areva, including delayed completion of the lid and internal structures of the reactor pressure vessel.
The project in France, two projects set for Britain and two under construction in China are also third-generation pressurized water reactors. They are expected to increase efficiency and safety at reasonable costs.
Areva, however, made headlines Tuesday by announcing it had suspended its financial outlook release, citing delays in project completions.
The $10.7 billion plant for Flamanville, which is in the Normady region, has seen its costs more than doubled from the original estimate of $4.1 billion. The plant under construction in Finland is also behind schedule.
“In spite of these construction contingencies, EDF reaffirms its commitment to new nuclear in France, China and the U.K,” the power company said in a statement.