France’s Big Nuclear Bet: €72.8 Billion Plan to Power a Low-Carbon Future

France is reigniting its nuclear ambitions — a €72.8 billion plan to build six new reactors promises cleaner energy, stronger independence, and a bold step toward a carbon-free future.

France is doubling down on nuclear power. State-owned Energy giant EDF (Électricité de France) has unveiled a cost estimate of €72.8 billion for its ambitious plan to build six next-generation EPR2 nuclear reactors, a cornerstone of France’s renewed commitment to clean, secure energy.

The proposal represents one of the most significant energy investments in Europe’s modern history and signals a firm revival of France’s once-dormant nuclear ambition.

A Nuclear Renaissance for Energy Security

President Emmanuel Macron first announced this “nuclear rebirth” in early 2022, aiming to restore France’s energy independence and shield consumers from volatile global energy markets. Today, nuclear energy already provides around 70% of France’s electricity, placing it among the world leaders in low-carbon power generation.

As France faces the dual challenge of an aging reactor fleet and growing electricity demand, EDF’s new reactors promise to:

Strengthen energy sovereignty amid global uncertainty.
Contribute to Europe’s decarbonisation goals under the 2050 net-zero commitment.
Stabilize electricity prices for consumers and industries.

Where and When Will the New Reactors Be Built?

The six EPR2 reactors will be constructed across three key nuclear sites:

Penly, in Normandy
Gravelines, near Dunkirk in northern France
Bugey, in eastern France

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with EDF targeting the first reactor online by 2038. This marks a three-year delay compared to the originally planned 2035 timeline. A final investment decision is slated for 2026, once EDF finalises technical and financial feasibility.

The Growing Cost of Ambition

EDF’s estimated budget for the six EPR2 reactors has escalated in recent years:

Initial estimate (2021): €51.7 billion
Revised (2024): €67.4 billion
Current estimate (2025): €72.8 billion

While steep, the projected expenses remain crucial for maintaining France’s long-term energy stability. The French government has already pledged to cover at least half the cost through state-backed loans, ensuring EDF can proceed with manageable financial pressure.

Lessons From Flamanville: Building Smarter, Not Just Bigger

EDF’s latest project leans heavily on hard-learned lessons from its Flamanville-3 reactor, which finally achieved full power in 2025 after nearly two decades of construction. Initially budgeted at €3.3 billion, the project ballooned to €13.2 billion (and up to €23.7 billion according to auditors).

The EPR2 reactors are designed to avoid those pitfalls. They will feature:

Standardised components across sites to reduce complexity.
Simplified construction methods to accelerate delivery.
Digital integration for faster testing and performance monitoring.

This “design-to-build” approach marks a cultural shift within EDF—prioritising efficiency and delivery over experimental engineering.

France’s Role in Europe’s Clean Energy Future

As much of Europe grapples with energy shortages and a faster-than-expected phase-out of fossil fuels, France’s renewed nuclear program could reshape the continent’s power dynamics. With these reactors, France could:

Bolster European energy security.
Export more clean electricity to neighbours during peak demand.
Set a possible model for sustainable nuclear expansion in Europe.

If successful, EDF’s EPR2 project could pave the way for an additional eight reactors, further reinforcing nuclear energy’s place in France’s low-carbon roadmap.

A Bold Step Toward 2050 Carbon Neutrality

France’s revival of nuclear energy isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about safeguarding the environment, creating skilled jobs, and ensuring energy independence for generations. With international competitors like China and the U.S. racing to modernise their own nuclear fleets, France is betting big that stable, reliable, and clean nuclear power will be its winning hand.