Will French Nuclear Woes Return as EDF Find Hints of New Cracks in Reactor Pipes?

Electricite de France SA has found indications that “stress corrosion” cracks may have returned to pipes at a nuclear reactor fixed less than three years ago, renewing fears about the reliability of the country’s power supply.

Power prices in France and neighboring countries jumped on the news, which was first reported by La Tribune. It’s too early to say if the defects will return in a significant way, but even if they did industry watchers say there are reasons to think the issue would be less disruptive than in 2022, when halts for repairs at many EDF reactors contributed to Europe’s energy crisis.