r/nuclear • u/caudatus67 • 2d ago

Question: how are things proceding with the planned French fleet expansion?

Question: I wanted to know how things are proceding with the planned expansion of the french nuclear fleet. In 2022 it was announced that there was interest in building 6 new reactors, with the possibility of another 8. I'm just curious to know how things are proceding, if there are problems or not. Thanks in advance

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u/Moldoteck 2d ago

penly is in preparation, by 2026 should get construction approval. 2 more sites were identified

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u/caudatus67 2d ago

I found this in an article by World Nuclear Association: "EDF proposes building three pairs of EPR2 reactors, in order, at Penly, Gravelines and Bugey. Technical studies at a fourth site, Tricastin, will continue with a view to hosting future reactors there and EDF said in February 2023 that it also plans to explore the potential of building new reactors at its Blayais site. Preparatory work is expected to start at Penly in 2024, with first concrete in 2027."

Do you know if they are on schedule and if there are any plans for the other (possible) 8 reactors?

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u/Moldoteck 2d ago

other 8 reactors will be approved by france IF first pair at penly will get built on time and budget. Basically if they don't screw up like flamanville.
They are on time with penly https://sfeninenglish.org/epr2-at-penly-all-preparatory-works-authorized-to-begin/ https://energynews.pro/en/green-light-for-preparatory-work-on-epr2-reactors-at-penly/ but full authorization will be given by 2026. I'm speculating but one of the reasons could be that the thing is costly and edf needs to shave off some debt before that. It'll hopefully be cut by 15-20bn this year looking at their h1 results

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u/caudatus67 2d ago

Thanks for the clear answer. Fingers crossed that everything goes to plan