Nuclear: EDF aims for mid-2024 to launch preparatory work on the Penly EPR

EDF plans to begin construction of the two nuclear reactors at Penly in mid-2024.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

EDF plans to start in mid-2024 the first preparatory works for the construction of the two new generation nuclear reactors EPR (EPR2) that the government envisages in Penly (Seine-Maritime), announced Tuesday the electricity producer.

“If the (political) decision is taken quickly, we aim to start preparatory work on this site in mid-2024, for commissioning by 2035-2037″, said Gabriel Oblin, project director for the EPR2 nuclear reactors.

The government wants to build six EPR2s, including the first two at Penly, with an option for eight more, according to a roadmap unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron in February.

This preparatory work, scheduled to last three years, includes “earthworks, preparation of the platform to build the nuclear facility,” Oblin said. Then, at the end of 2027, construction of the reactors will begin. A construction site which “in its high phase” in 2029 should mobilize a total of 7,500 people.

This timetable was specified during a press conference devoted to the two-year implementation of the Excell plan, an industrial improvement program in the nuclear sector.

This plan was born of the desire to avoid a repeat of the setbacks of the Flamanville EPR (Manche), the only one under construction in France, which is eleven years behind schedule and has astronomical budget overruns.

But if EDF intends to move quickly, other steps must be taken before the first work is launched at Penly.

The construction of new reactors is the subject of a debate under the aegis of the National Commission for Public Debate until February 27.

The summary of this debate, which is compulsory for the project leader EDF, will be included in the work of the members of parliament, who will have to vote on France’s energy roadmap by 2024 at the latest (setting the share of each energy in the national energy mix).

Without waiting, the government, which wants to “gain time”, presented on November 2 in the Council of Ministers its bill to accelerate the construction of new reactors, by simplifying administrative procedures.

This text must be examined by the parliamentarians at the beginning of 2023, or even at the end of December, first in the National Assembly.

Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.
EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
The United Nations nuclear agency is urging Ukraine and Russia to establish a local ceasefire to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains on alert after losing all external power supply.
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.
Canada’s IsoEnergy will acquire Australia’s Toro Energy for AUD75mn ($49mn), creating a diversified uranium production platform with assets across Australia, Canada and the United States.
The upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant secures its fuel supply through agreements signed with Urenco and Framatome, marking a key step in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term energy stability.
The construction of Uzbekistan’s first small modular reactor (SMR) is underway, with 1.5mn m³ of earth being excavated in Jizzakh, marking a major milestone for the nuclear project led by Rosatom.
A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.