After 6 years of conceptual design phase, the French 600 eMW ASTRID project has started at the beginning of 2016, a 4 years basic design phase. The project is now at mid-term of this phase, and the objective of this paper is to show and underline ASTRID progress and status and to give information of what we have intended for the next 2 years. The ASTRID project is based on a very efficient partnership, allowing versatility and manageability. Very high level and up-to-date project management methods are performed, including technical control with engineering System tools and 3D mock-up consolidation. All the Industrials partners involved in the project during the last phase have decided to pursue in the ASTRID project, and the strategic partnership with Japan is going to be reinforced.

ASTRID design is also evolved, taking into account new advanced on design to reach better consistency according to high level of reliability and safety, consistent with Generation IV objectives. A cost killing methodology is also provided and feedbacks will be expected during 2018 and 2019. In the same time an ongoing effort started two years ago is underway to map all the qualification needs and define all associated processes consistent with safety regulator requirement. A more realistic planning has been prepared, adding a four years consolidation phase between basic design and detailed design, in order to increase the level of confidence and progress on the technology feasibility including experimental validations of the ASTRID’s main innovative options.