Configuration, construction & commissioning activities Flamanville 3 EPR

Context and challenges

This client is a major player in the nuclear industry. Flamanville 3 is the first EPR (European Pressurised Reactor) project in France. Construction began on this next-generation reactor in 2007.

EPR construction in France will satisfy the need to invest in new production capacities to ensure the security of energy supply, and is an essential step in preparations to renew the French nuclear fleet. The EPR is based on existing techniques and incorporates all the recent progress that has been made in terms of safety, environmental protection, technical and economical performance, to deliver safe, competitive electricity production with no greenhouse gas emissions.

Assystem has been involved in FA3 site engineering since 2012, successively supporting the construction and commissioning phases of the project.

In this context, Assystem has been appointed to support the construction and commissioning phases, in particular to ensure that design modifications are properly integrated into the construction and commissioning phases, as well as to perform quality assurance and regulatory compliance activities.

Project scope

Change and Configuration Management:
- Preparation of the on-site integration of modifications
- Assessment of the integration of modifications (control, identification of deviations)
- Site configuration management in interface with commissioning teams
QSRA (Quality, Safety, and Relationship to Authorities):
- Internal controls, audits and verifications
- Service Evaluation Sheets
Carrying out studies, particularly those induced by changes
Maintaining as-built existing compliance repository up-to-date
Regulatory compliance monitoring and management
Development and analysis of transfer reservations
Modification recording in collaboration with the assembly and commissioning teams

Results

Fast reactivity and reduction of information losses thanks to improved communication and coordination between central engineering and design offices.
Smooth integration of modifications thanks to consistency and compatibility of changes. The impact of the changes is reduced because processes have been put in place to carefully prepare their integration. This ensures that modifications made are consistent with the planning, work or tests in progress, but also with other modifications.
Better quality and safety thanks to follow-up of FIS recommendations (Independent Safety Field).
High reactivity of teams and autonomy thanks to good knowledge of tools and environments (regulatory compliance rules and frameworks), and management of interfaces.
Up-to-date configuration thanks to the reactivity of management teams and “as-built” teams to integrate modifications.