Electricité de France (EDF), meanwhile, is doubling down on its harebrained scheme to construct six new nuclear reactors. This decision follows the recent performance challenges that limited its generation and increased energy costs. The company found stress corrosion cracks in one of its reactors. This problem led to a significant loss of nuclear production, leading to the company’s lowest nuclear output in 34 years. The French government has recognized and has begun to take steps to address these urgent issues. Without them, EDF would not have been able to secure a subsidized loan from France’s state lender to build new reactors.
EDF’s Civaux 2 stress corrosion incident has rocked the global energy market. For this reason, electricity prices are shooting up. In anticipation of these decades-old threats, France’s President Emmanuel Macron made the deepening of France’s nuclear arsenal a priority during his presidency. Just as you’ll have to find ways to create longer lifetime horizons for current reactors… In the process, you’ll agree to construct six more new reactors that will one day produce a combined capacity of 10 gigawatts in the years ahead.
Financial Support from the Government
To address the financial implications of this extensive project, the French government has agreed to provide EDF with a subsidized loan. This loan is designed to cover at least half of the estimated €52 billion construction costs associated with the new reactors. This decision reflects a profound commitment to improving France’s energy infrastructure. It’s intended to promote a reliable supply of electricity — particularly as demand increases and market factors change.
The first contract awarded by EDF for the construction of boilermaking equipment required for the construction of the new reactor was awarded to Fives Nordon. This contract is supplemental to the government’s loan agreement. The award follows 18 months of extensive pilot engineering investigations. This detail underscored the extensive preparation that is often needed for multimillion-dollar builds. Fives Nordon is scheduled to provide some 300 specialized pieces of equipment. This tooling and infrastructure is central to the successful operation and maintenance of all nuclear facilities.
Timeline for Construction and Delivery
Construction of the boilermaking elements is set to start in 2027, with deliveries to stretch through 2038. The decades long timeline is a testament to the difficulty associated with constructing new nuclear reactors. It further underscores the rigorous regulatory requirements which must be completed before operations can begin. In June 2025, the French nuclear regulatory authority, ASN, announced the discovery of evidence of possible stress corrosion in Civaux 2. They emphasized the need for safety to be a priority for the complete duration of the project.
EDF indeed has a pretty smart strategy. It intends to address existing production problems and enhance France’s place as the leading country in nuclear energy. The French government intends to introduce a decree before the fall. This decree will tremendously accelerate the construction of new reactors and lay down a crucial regulatory framework for moving forward with these critical projects.
Future Implications for Nuclear Energy in France
The fallout around EDF and its reactor projects represent a critical juncture for France’s energy future, as well. As energy demands continue to increase and environmental concerns become more critical, the government’s investment in nuclear energy is a prime example of the government’s drive to ensure sustainable and reliable power generation. This collaboration with Fives Nordon underscores the importance of innovative domestic companies in bolstering France’s nuclear manufacturing base.