France’s nuclear regulator ASN has approved in principle state power company EDF’s proposed solution for rectifying a design anomaly on three nozzles on the primary circuit of the Flamanville-3 EPR plant under construction in northern France.

EDF’s proposal to install a retaining collar around each of the concerned connections is not expected to delay the planned startup of the unit scheduled for 2024.

ASN said EDF’s proposal was acceptable in principle, but it will take a final decision once EDF has provided information concerning the demonstration of the effectiveness of the device, the design, manufacturing and operating requirements applicable to the retaining collars and the quality of the implantation welds around which these collars will be mounted.