SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

EDF Nuclear Expansion: European Projects and International Cooperation

EDF is stepping up its presence in European nuclear power, proposing ambitious projects in Slovenia and establishing strategic international partnerships.

Share:

EDF Expansion Nucléaire Européenne

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE

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.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Funds Push European Carbon Positions to Highest Since April
OT Cyberattacks: Energy Sector Faces $329 Billion in Risks
An Elliott affiliate raises bid to $8.82bn for Citgo’s parent company
Surveys for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant enter active phase
EnBW maintains 2025 guidance despite 7% drop in EBITDA
The United Kingdom prepares major reform of nuclear regulation
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
India launches a two-pronged strategy to accelerate nuclear power by 2047
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus paves the way for strategic nuclear cooperation with Uzbekistan
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
HYLENR raises $3 mn to accelerate commercialisation of its industrial LENR reactors
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Indonesia approves site study for Thorcon nuclear power plant on Kelasa Island
The regulatory approval granted to PT Thorcon Power Indonesia for its site study on Kelasa Island marks a decisive step toward the development of the country’s first private nuclear project.
U.S. uranium production soars in 2024, reaching its highest level in a decade
Uranium output from American mines surged more than thirteen-fold in 2024, driven by increased investment, exploration drilling and a partial restart of industrial capacity across several key states.
NextEra reactivates Duane Arnold nuclear plant to strengthen industrial capacity
NextEra Energy launches the recommissioning of the Duane Arnold nuclear site in Iowa, aiming to inject over 600 MWe back into the grid to meet the growing electricity demand of the American industrial sector.
The United States speeds up lunar nuclear reactor project amid international competition
Nasa has launched a call for tenders for a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, aiming to support American ambitions for a permanent base, despite budget uncertainties and mounting pressure from China and Russia.
Explosions near Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant rekindle security concerns
Explosions were heard near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, still under Russian military control, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the site and the Ukrainian energy sector.
Tractebel and NRG-Pallas extend their partnership on the Dutch research reactor
Tractebel and NRG-Pallas have formalised the continuation of their technical cooperation at the Pallas research reactor site in Petten, the Netherlands, reinforcing their commitment to a key project in the European nuclear sector.
Tanzania and Russia launch a $1.2bn uranium plant in Namtumbo
Tanzania, together with Russia, is starting construction of a uranium plant in Namtumbo for $1.2bn, aiming to boost mining revenues and secure a place in the global nuclear industry.
South Korea’s nuclear output to reach 222.7TWh with 29.8GW by 2035
South Korea forecasts 2.4% annual growth in nuclear generation, with 29 operational reactors by 2035 and export ambitions for the sector.
TEPCO posts $5.83bn net loss in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025
TEPCO reports a significant net loss due to nuclear compensation charges and debris removal preparations, while its revenues decline over the period.
Rolls-Royce SMR signs strategic agreements with Škoda JS and Curtiss-Wright in the UK and Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has entered into cooperation agreements with Škoda JS and Curtiss-Wright to accelerate the manufacturing of essential components and the supply of safety systems as part of its international development of modular reactors.
Flamanville: the EPR power-up postponed until the end of autumn 2025
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor will not reach full power until before the end of autumn, postponing the initially scheduled date due to preventive maintenance operations on the primary circuit valves.
Orano posts half-year profit of EUR109mn after industrial turnaround
French group Orano returns to profitability in the first half of the year, supported by strong plant performance and stabilisation of international activities, notably after resolving the situation in Niger.
Hungary signs agreement with Synthos to introduce US small modular reactors
Hunatom announces a strategic alliance with Synthos Green Energy to introduce US small modular reactor technology, strengthening energy ties between Hungary, Poland and the United States.
South Korea and Norway launch study on i-SMR nuclear mini-reactors
A joint feasibility study project on Korean i-SMR modular reactors has just been launched for a future nuclear site at the border of the Aure and Heim municipalities, aiming for significant regional industrial impact.
Japan’s Tomari 3 reactor receives regulatory approval for new safety standards
Unit 3 of the Tomari nuclear power plant takes a major step towards restart after its safety equipment was validated by the Japanese regulator.
Russia advances its position on uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger
The Russian Minister of Energy announces strengthened cooperation in uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger, reinforcing Russia's economic presence in a key sector following the withdrawal of several Western players.
Consent Preferences