EDF discovers new microcracks at the Civaux 2 power plant

EDF has discovered new microcracks in new welds at the Civaux 2 power plant. These welds were made in 2022. Civaux 2 is the plant where the phenomenon of stress corrosion, which affects the secondary circuits of some French nuclear power plants, appeared for the first time at the end of 2021.
The stress corrosion observed in 16 of the 57 French reactors led EDF to shut down half the reactors in the midst of the energy crisis in order to check them and carry out maintenance work.
EDF has completed the replacement of the most sensitive pipes, but inspections are continuing. EDF expects to have inspected 55% of the piping by the end of 2026.
For the moment, EDF has not been able to identify the cause of the phenomenon, as various possible causes are currently being investigated. The announcement of the discovery of new cases of corrosion caused the market price of electricity in France to soar. On 11 June, the French base load 2026 calendar rose from EUR 62.27/MWh to EUR 66.19/MWh.