French utility giant Electricite de France SA (EDF.FR) Thursday reported
a level-one generic anomaly affecting the bearing bushings of its back-up
diesel generators at several of its French nuclear power plants, with a
level-two anomaly reported at another.
"The anomaly is caused by premature wear," EDF said, adding: "It
is of no consequence to the operation and safety of the facilities in
question."
EDF said it will preventively replace the bushings in question and that
maintenance procedures can be performed while the reactors are in operation. The
repairs got under way Feb. 12, it added.
The power stations affected by the level-one alert are at Blayais, Bugey,
Chinon, Cruas, Dampierre, Gravelines and Saint-Laurent. The level-two alert was at
Tricastin.