Claims that all is well with the construction of Areva's flagship EPR reactor at Flamanville have fallen apart today. French newspaper Le Canard Enchaine and AFP are reporting that construction has been delayed by at least nine months following problems with the concrete and reactor liner.

More as we get it.

The European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) is the flagship of France's nuclear policy. Only two projects are under construction and neither has been completed. Both are suffering from budget over-runs, safety problems and extensive delays.