Are there any compliance issues regarding the concrete of the Penly EPR2 dike?

According to these online media, tests carried out by a laboratory on behalf of the construction giant Eiffage, responsible for the construction of the dike, indicate that the composition of the aggregate intended for the concrete does not meet the required criteria.

Contacted by AFP, Eiffage denied this and stated in a press release that "contrary to what has been stated in several articles (...), the formulation of the concrete for the Penly EPR2 project complies with current standards and corresponds to the specifications of the contract awarded to the Eiffage group by EDF."

Eiffage adds that the locally sourced aggregates (Dieppe Sea Gravel) selected were tested several times "in order to obtain the formulation that met all the necessary technical requirements", and checks by independent laboratories and suitability tests "led to the final validation of the selected formulation on Wednesday, March 5, 2025", all under "careful monitoring by EDF's technical teams".

According to Mediapart and Reporterre, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR), which carried out an inspection on February 27, made seven requests to EDF in a letter published on its website, particularly concerning the quality of the concrete in the grooved cubic blocks (RCB), which serve as the primary protection for the dike.

The ASNR is requesting "additional information" and notes that the "armor" of the dike is one of the important elements for protection in terms of nuclear safety (EIP).

EIPs are the elements "whose failure would have direct or indirect effects" on the control of fundamental nuclear safety functions.

The authority is asking EDF to "confirm the EIP(s) constituting the dike", to specify the associated quality requirements and to provide "justification" on the control of the risk of deterioration of the concrete.

Asked by AFP, EDF indicated that a phase of "development of the formulation of the concrete and control of the aggregates that compose it was carried out before the start of production" of the BCR.

These checks, carried out by independent laboratories on behalf of Eiffage, "were the subject of additional expert assessments commissioned by EDF".

"The quality of the concrete used for the manufacture of the RCCs appears to comply with the technical specifications required for the construction of the dike, allowing the start of concrete production on site on March 4, 2025," the energy company states.

EDF adds that the concrete used in BCRs is different from that used for nuclear buildings, "which is subject to specific classifications adapted to their level of safety."

"The preparatory work for the EPR2 at Penly is proceeding according to schedule," added EDF.

This reactor, which is scheduled to come into service between 2035 and 2037 according to EDF, is part of the nuclear revival program announced by Emmanuel Macron in 2022, which plans to build at least six EPR2 reactors: two in Penly (Seine-Maritime), two in Gravelines (Nord), and two in Bugey, on the banks of the Rhône.