Challenges and Strategies for EDF’s New Nuclear Power Plant in 2035

EDF is aiming for 2035 for the first EPR2 reactor, despite the challenges of current nuclear production and the corrosion crisis.

Share:

EDF 2035: Enjeux Cruciaux

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

EDF CEO Luc Rémont recently discussed the challenges of commissioning the first reactor in the new nuclear fleet planned for 2035. Indeed, in a radio interview, he stressed the “very demanding” nature of this objective, linked to the necessary increase in output from the existing nuclear fleet. France, with a current nuclear fleet of 43GW out of a total capacity of 61.4GW, is preparing to face the winter with confidence, while remaining vigilant in its efforts to reduce energy consumption.

The Crucial Role of the Flamanville EPR in EDF’s Strategy

EDF’s ambitious program includes the construction of six new EPR2 reactors. In addition, the first Penly plant is scheduled for commissioning between 2035 and 2037. The project is aimed at boosting the country’s nuclear generation capacity, an increased necessity after nuclear production fell to a 30-year low in 2022, at just 279 terawatt-hours (TWh). This drop is mainly due to the corrosion crisis that affected the nuclear fleet.

EDF’s Financial Turnaround: Between Ambitions and Realities

At the same time, the Group plans to load fuel for the Flamanville EPR in the first quarter of 2024, with commissioning scheduled for mid-2024. The project encountered significant delays and budget overruns, with the final bill estimated at 13.2 billion euros, four times the initial budget of 3.3 billion. Despite these delays, the goal is to produce 400 TWh by 2030, in order to turn around the group’s financial situation, which is currently weakened by a debt of 65 billion euros.

New Framework for Electricity Price Regulation in France

Luc Rémont also discussed the new agreement with the French government on the framework for regulating electricity prices in France. Faced with concerns about potential new rate hikes, he assured us that this model would offer

“much stronger protection for all citizens”.

This statement is part of EDF’s wider efforts to stabilize and strengthen its role in the French energy sector.

EDF’s strategy for the new nuclear fleet, centered on the launch of the first EPR2 reactor by 2035, is ambitious but crucial for French energy production. Despite past challenges and delays, the Group remains confident in its ability to meet these challenges and deliver stable, sustainable energy for the future.

The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.