The Nuclear Safety Authority authorizes AREVA to resume welds on the vessel head for the Flamanville reactor

AREVA has resumed manufacturing work on the vessel head for the Flamanville reactor, at its Chalon/Saint-Marcel plant (Saône et Loire region, France) following the discovery of discrepancies in certain welds during quality control operations carried out by the group.

The Group had immediately informed its customer EDF and the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and has developed the technical solutions for restoring compliance, and enabling plant construction schedule to be met.

On October 17, 2011, ASN accepted the solution proposed by AREVA for resuming production, which attests to its strict compliance with the safety standards imposed by the ASN.

Future operations will be subject to reinforced control by AREVA and monitoring by the ASN which will be called on to deliver final compliance approval.

AREVA attaches the highest importance to the performance of its quality system, designed to enable a quick response time in accordance with transparency and Safety requirements.