SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

The Court of Audit Warns About Risks in EDF’s EPR2 Program

The Court of Audit highlights significant uncertainties surrounding the EPR2 program, revealing persistent financial and technical risks. A critical report calls for resolving these issues before proceeding with new investments.

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

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

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

The Court of Audit has published a sharp report on the construction program for EPR2 reactors, spearheaded by EDF and supported by the French government. This optimized version of the EPR reactors aims to revitalize the nuclear industry in France. However, the document reveals numerous uncertainties that could jeopardize the success of this ambitious project.

The 97-page report emphasizes the challenges yet to be overcome. The accumulation of risks and constraints, coupled with insufficient planning, could lead to the same setbacks experienced during the construction of Flamanville 3. Initially scheduled for 2012, this reactor was only connected to the grid in December 2023, with cost overruns reaching €23.7 billion in constant euros.

A Program Under Financial Strain

The auditors criticize the uncertain profitability of the project. EDF has refused to provide precise data on production costs and projected profitability, despite similar recommendations made in 2020. The Court estimates that the first six EPR2 reactors will cost €67.4 billion, a 30% increase from initial forecasts.

Given these uncertainties, the report recommends delaying the final investment decision, originally planned for early 2026, until financing is secured and technical studies are sufficiently advanced. It also suggests limiting EDF’s financial exposure to international projects to avoid delaying the domestic program’s timeline.

A Sector in Reorganization

Since EDF’s renationalization, several efforts have been made to revive the nuclear sector. The recovery of the Arabelle turbines, which are critical for nuclear plants, represents a step forward. However, the Court considers these measures insufficient given the magnitude of the challenges ahead. Governance, internal processes, and project execution capacity must be further streamlined to avoid repeating past mistakes.

The EPR2 program remains central to France’s energy strategy, as announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2022. With six reactors planned and an option for eight more, the project aims to bolster France’s energy independence while meeting climate goals. However, the risks of budget overruns and delays demand heightened vigilance.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
India signs major US LPG deal under diplomatic pressure
India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects
Over 500 carbon capture representatives identified at COP30
Chandra Asri secures $750mn from KKR to acquire Exxon’s fuel stations in Singapore
HyperStrong secures 200 GWh of CATL batteries in ten-year strategic agreement
Belarus launches new public investment in a third nuclear reactor
Belarus commits major public investment to add a third reactor at the Ostrovets plant and initiates studies for a second nuclear site to support national energy demand.
Framatome completes second test cycle on next-generation nuclear fuel
Framatome’s accident-tolerant fuel prototype has completed a second 24-month cycle in a commercial nuclear reactor in the United States, paving the way for a third phase of industrial testing.
UK to install three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at Wylfa nuclear site
The Wylfa site in Wales will host three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors from 2026, marking a strategic investment in the UK’s nuclear expansion.
Flamanville 3 reaches 80% power output ahead of extended 2026 shutdown
EDF confirmed that the Flamanville EPR has reached a major milestone, while planning a nearly year-long shutdown in 2026 for extensive regulatory inspections and key component replacement.
EDF expands access to nuclear contracts in response to regulatory changes
EDF is opening access to its long-term nuclear supply contracts to companies consuming more than 7 GWh per year, an adjustment driven by the gradual end of the Arenh mechanism.
South Korea extends operation of Kori 2 nuclear reactor until 2033
South Korean authorities have approved the continued operation of the Kori 2 reactor for an additional eight years, marking a key milestone in the national nuclear strategy.
Brazil launches BRL50mn microreactor project for 5 MW capacity
A public-private consortium is developing a 5 MW thermal microreactor designed to operate without refuelling for ten years, marking a strategic step in Brazil's nuclear innovation efforts.
Flamanville EPR reaches 80% output as EDF stays on schedule
EDF has announced that the Flamanville EPR reactor is now operating at 80% of its capacity. The target of reaching full output by the end of autumn remains confirmed by the utility.
Oklo secures key approval for upcoming nuclear fuel facility
The accelerated approval of the Aurora facility’s nuclear safety plan marks a strategic milestone in rebuilding a domestic nuclear fuel production line in the United States.
Industrikraft takes 20% stake in Videberg Kraft to support Ringhals nuclear project
The Industrikraft consortium will invest SEK400mn ($42.2mn) to become a shareholder in Videberg Kraft, marking a new phase in Sweden’s nuclear project led by Vattenfall on the Värö Peninsula.
Westinghouse secures $114mn contract to supply fuel to Paks nuclear plant
MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.
TVEL resumes nuclear cooperation with Vietnam through new fuel delivery
The delivery of nuclear fuel by Russian subsidiary TVEL to the Da Lat research reactor marks a key step in strengthening the nuclear commercial partnership between Moscow and Hanoi.
X-energy signs $40mn agreement with Toyo Tanso for initial Xe-100 reactors
US supplier X-energy has formalised a graphite supply contract with Japan's Toyo Tanso for the construction of its first four small modular reactors, in partnership with Dow and backed by the US Department of Energy.
Enveniam appointed lead integrator for LIST Technologies’ laser uranium enrichment project
US-based Enveniam has signed an agreement with LIS Technologies Inc. to oversee the design and construction of a new laser-based uranium enrichment facility on American soil.
Newcleo considers shifting €16bn nuclear projects from the UK to the United States
Faced with shorter approval timelines, several European nuclear firms, including Newcleo, Orano and Urenco, are considering relocating key industrial investments to the United States.
Swedish industrial players inject €36.4mn into Vattenfall’s future nuclear reactors
A consortium led by Swedish giants such as ABB, SSAB and Volvo will invest SEK400mn to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors through a strategic partnership with Vattenfall.
Fusion Fuel Cycles joint venture begins construction of UNITY-2 test facility
Fusion Fuel Cycles has begun work on its UNITY-2 facility, a unique test bench designed to validate the full tritium fuel cycle under fusion conditions, marking a key step toward fusion energy.
Framatome launches pilot line for TRISO nuclear fuel in France
Framatome will produce TRISO fuel at Romans-sur-Isère as part of a pilot project for advanced nuclear reactors, in partnership with actors such as Blue Capsule Technology.
Sweden lifts uranium mining ban starting January 2026
Sweden’s parliament has approved a major reform authorising uranium extraction, opening the door to a reassessment of the economic potential of mining projects containing this strategic mineral.
Koeberg Unit 2 granted 20-year extension for nuclear operation
South Africa's regulator has authorised Koeberg Unit 2 to operate until 2045 following maintenance work and a long-term safety assessment.

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

START - 99$/year

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.