Office for Nuclear Regulation, Environment Agency & Natural Resources Wales

UK European Pressurised Reactor™ (UK EPR)

Image copyright Areva

Designer (requesting party): EDF/Areva

Current positon: Assessment of reactor design complete and nuclear site licence granted in 2012 to install and operate two EPRs at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

Timeline:

  • Apr-Sep 2007 - Step 1 (preparatory step)
  • Sep 2007 - Jun 2008 - Step 2 (initial assessment)
  • Jun 2008 - Dec 2009 - Step 3 (detailed assessment)
  • Jan 2010 - Dec 2011 - Step 4 (detailed design, safety case and security evidence assessment)
  • Dec 2011 - Dec 2012 Closure of GDA

Regulatory issues and resolution plans

A regulatory issue is a serious regulatory shortfall identified by the regulators. The issues are potentially significant enough to prevent provision of design acceptance. There are two regulatory issues published for the EPR.

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Progress reports

At the end of each step of the assessment, the regulators publish detailed technical reports and a summary report.

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Regulatory observations and resolution plans

GDA issues remain following issue of interim design acceptance. They need to be resolved before a final design acceptance can be granted. There were 31 GDA issues published for the EPR following issue of interim design acceptance.

Find out more about regulatory observations

Design acceptance

In December 2012, ONR and the Environment Agency granted design acceptance to the EPR design.

Find out more about design acceptance