Swedish group Alfa Laval has announced the extension of its strategic partnership with Électricité de France SA (EDF) to support the next generation of nuclear projects in France. The agreement, concluded at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, includes the supply of technological solutions for the upcoming EPR2 reactors planned at Penly, Gravelines and Bugey.
Technological deployment across six EPR2 units
Alfa Laval will provide its gasketed and semi-welded plate heat exchangers for the six planned reactors under the EPR2 programme. These systems are designed to improve thermal efficiency while reducing operational footprint. The deployment follows a standardised construction plan aimed at optimising capital expenditure (capex) and accelerating commissioning phases.
Standardised programme for rapid implementation
EDF and Alfa Laval will rely on modular, serially-produced technology to reduce technical complexity at sites and improve rollout speed. This method will ensure operational consistency across locations while boosting the efficiency of the EPR2 programme deployment nationwide.
A long-standing industrial partnership
Active in the nuclear industry since 1964, Alfa Laval has collaborated with EDF since the 1970s. This latest development strengthens a decades-long relationship as EDF currently operates a fleet of 57 nuclear reactors in France. The EPR2 programme forms part of a long-term strategy to expand and modernise the French nuclear fleet.
Industrial ambition at the core of the energy mix
The two companies share a common objective to support large-scale low-carbon electricity production. The partnership comes amid rising demand for decarbonised energy sources and positions the nuclear sector as a central pillar of France’s energy strategy.