S'abonner

Green light for preparatory work on EPR2 reactors at Penly

The French government authorizes EDF to begin preparatory work on the EPR2 reactors at Penly, marking a key milestone in the project.

Share:

Autorisation travaux préparatoires réacteurs.

The French government recently gave EDF the go-ahead to start preparatory work on the two EPR2 reactors planned for the Penly nuclear power plant in the Seine-Maritime region. This decision, formalized by a decree published on June 3, allows EDF to begin the necessary work on the site, including clearing brush and trees and relocating local flora and fauna.

Background and Details of the Work

The new environmental permit also allows for the creation of site facilities and earthworks, as well as improved access to the site and the creation of parking lots. The work will focus mainly on the Petit-Caux commune, as the site is partially artificialized and already has a low level of biodiversity due to previous industrial installations.
The decree emphasizes that this authorization minimizes environmental impacts due to the already industrialized nature of the site. The Interministerial Delegation for New Nuclear Power (DINN) stressed on LinkedIn the importance of this regulatory milestone for the Penly project, indicating that preparatory work will be spread over around 3.5 years, with a gradual start this summer.

Legislative framework and outlook

This authorization falls within the scope of the French Nuclear Acceleration Act of June 22, 2023, enabling preparatory work to be launched while the application for authorization to create future basic nuclear installations continues to be examined. Actual construction of the reactors will depend on final authorization.
In February 2022, President Emmanuel Macron announced a vast program to revive nuclear power in France, targeting the construction of at least six new-generation EPR2 reactors. The aim is to commission the first Penly reactor by 2035. The program is part of the country’s energy transition strategy, which aims to boost energy security while reducing carbon emissions.
Authorization of this preparatory work marks a crucial milestone in the construction of the EPR2 reactors at Penly. This step is part of a broader initiative to modernize and revitalize France’s nuclear fleet, in response to current energy and environmental challenges. Careful monitoring of this project and its impacts will be essential to ensure that it is completed on schedule and on budget.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Chevron authorised to resume oil extraction in Venezuela after suspension
France: RTE launches public debate over €90 billion grid investment
Department of Energy report questions economic impact of CO2 and reach of US climate policies
Brazil’s oil industry plans over $110bn in total natural gas investments
Emerge signs 20-year solar agreement with Misk City to power an innovative urban model
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.
Last Energy achieves major milestone for micro nuclear reactors in the United Kingdom
Last Energy reaches a key regulatory step for its PWR-20 microreactor project in Llynfi, advancing towards the objective of securing a site licence by December 2027 from British authorities.
Slovenské elektrárne signs a contract with Urenco for enriched uranium supply
Slovenské elektrárne has signed an agreement with Urenco for the purchase of enriched uranium for the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants, strengthening the diversification of its supply sources until the mid-2030s.
ENEC seals new strategic nuclear deals with Hyundai E&C and Westinghouse
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signs two major agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Westinghouse, strengthening its position in the global civil nuclear market and paving the way for new international industrial opportunities.
First Hydrogen strengthens its partnership with the University of Alberta to accelerate SMRs
First Hydrogen expands its collaboration with the University of Alberta to optimise small modular nuclear reactor design and support green hydrogen development amid the growth of artificial intelligence data centres.
France and Belgium formalise nuclear cooperation after Brussels policy reversal
The French and Belgian energy ministers have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen ties between Paris and Brussels on nuclear energy, as Belgium has abandoned its 2003 nuclear phase-out plan.
Regulatory green light restarts Palisades nuclear power plant in the United States
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorised the restart of the Palisades power plant, marking a key milestone for Holtec in reintegrating this reactor into the US energy mix. —
Three drones fly over Genkai nuclear power plant, Japanese authorities alerted
The Genkai nuclear power plant detected the intrusion of three unidentified drones, prompting an immediate investigation by Japanese authorities into this unusual incident with potential national security implications.
KATCO launches production at new uranium site in South Tortkuduk, Kazakhstan
KATCO, a joint venture between Orano and Kazatomprom, has started operations at the South Tortkuduk site, backed by a $190mn investment, targeting a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.
Iran welcomes IAEA technical delegation without access to nuclear sites
Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.
Standard Uranium confirms 29 km of conductive corridors at the Corvo project in Canada
Standard Uranium announces the results of a high-resolution electromagnetic survey at the Corvo project, confirming 29 kilometres of conductive corridors and launching the planning of an inaugural drilling programme for 2026.
NANO Nuclear reaches key milestone with prototype induction pump for reactors
NANO Nuclear Energy assembles and tests its annular induction pump prototype, marking progress for its microreactor programmes and paving the way for potential commercialisation of the technology.
Hungary confirms launch of Paks-2 with Rosatom by autumn
Hungary reaffirms its intent to double the capacity of its Paks nuclear power plant in partnership with Rosatom, with concrete works expected to begin in the autumn.
Arabelle Solutions to equip Darlington SMR with 34-metre turbine
Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, will provide turbine island equipment for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor project in Canada, marking a milestone for the industrialisation of SMRs in North America.
Framatome secures nuclear fuel contract with ENEC for Barakah plant
Framatome will supply nuclear fuel and technical services to ENEC, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ energy supply chain for the Barakah nuclear plant.
Stellaria raises €23mn to develop molten salt nuclear reactor by 2035
French start-up Stellaria secures €23mn ($25.2mn) in funding to accelerate the design of its fast neutron nuclear reactor, with first fission expected in 2029 and commercial deployment targeted for 2035.
More than ten-year delay for Bulgaria’s national nuclear waste repository
The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Bahrain signs civil nuclear agreement with the United States and announces $17bn in public investments
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power completes installation of third prototype vessel in Oak Ridge
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING