Electricité de France (EDF) recently announced “techno-commercial” offers to Slovenia for the construction of potentially two EPR-type nuclear reactors. This move is part of EDF’s wider strategy of expansion in the European and global nuclear sector. At the same time, the French group signed cooperation agreements with Polish and Italian companies at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) near Paris. These initiatives demonstrate EDF’s growing ambition to position itself as a global nuclear leader, following earlier projects in India, Canada and the Czech Republic.
Nuclear power development in Europe and international cooperation
The Slovenian project, led by EDF, envisages the construction of one or two medium-power EPR reactors (EPR1200) at the Krsko power plant, located near the border with Croatia. The plant, which has been operating since 1983 with an American Westinghouse technology reactor, is a nerve center for the electricity supply of Slovenia and Croatia. Although the existing reactor was originally scheduled to cease operation in 2023, Ljubljana and Zagreb have agreed to extend its life by 30 years. Integrating the Slovenian project into EDF’s EPR fleet could bring significant benefits for both Slovenia and the French company.
EDF: A pillar of European nuclear power and renewed ambitions
In addition to Slovenia, EDF is actively involved in the construction of an EPR in Normandy, two in the UK, and is developing several other projects. After a period of scaling back its commitment to nuclear power, France is now backing a program to build six new EPRs, or even 14. This ambition is reinforced by EDF’s announcement that it intends to build at least one reactor a year in Europe over the next decade.
Future prospects and cooperation
EDF’s active participation in the WNE show was an opportunity for the Group to demonstrate its ambition to become a leader in new nuclear power, not only in Europe but also on a global scale. EDF CEO Luc Rémont underlined this ambition by signing six cooperation agreements with Polish companies and a memorandum with Ansaldo Nucleare and Associazione Italiana Nucleare, in the presence of the Italian ambassador to France. These agreements aim to strengthen Franco-Italian cooperation in the development of EPR, EPR1200 and Nuward SMR (small modular reactor) technologies, both in France and in Europe, and potentially in Italy.
EDF is strengthening its role as a pillar of the European nuclear industry, with ambitious projects and strategic international partnerships. This dynamic marks an era of strengthened cooperation and innovation in the energy sector.
